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St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
Vestry Meeting
01/27/2025
5:15pm
I. Welcome
Present at the meeting were Amy Arrowsmith, Will Hopping, Trip Smith, Julie Taylor, Nelson Eiselstein, David Spiller, Carrie Stefaniak, Harriett Whitaker, John Beard, Katherine Betts, Jeremy Weldon, Greg Miller, Duke Richey, Beth Luehrs, Curt Hodge, Jennifer Nicely, Tom White, Ed Bacon, Murdock Jones, Elizabeth Farr, and Carly Woodfin. Joining online were Eliza Williams, Victoria Pratt, and Rhett Bentley.
Fr. Ed shared with the vestry that Nelson Irvine was in the ICU. Things were challenging on Friday, but he is doing better. Please keep him in your prayers.
Opening Devotional
Without getting into partisan politics, we’re certainly heading into a different chapter in our country’s history. The staff is dealing pastorally with many who are afraid. In all that is going on, where are you finding grounding, or hope, or direction, in your own life as a Christian at this time?
John: Finds peace in prayer, especially praying for peace at all levels.
Harriet: Feels grounded by the support of her close-knit community in Chattanooga, her friends, and her spouse.
Nelson E: Finds hope in the beauty of God’s creation, such as sunsets, and trusts that God has a plan, no matter the circumstances.
Jennifer: Focuses on taking things in small steps and reminds herself that there are good people in the world who are always willing to help.
Jeremy: Finds grounding through connecting with people from different cultures and perspectives through social media recently, particularly with everyday Chinese folks on American platforms.
Will: Finds peace in keeping focused on his own community.
Julie: Has been reading Richard Rohr’s daily meditations, which have been a source of grounding.
Tom: Recently typed out some of his ideas to process his feelings about recent events which helped him organize this thoughts.
Beth: Finds grounding through walking and sees movement as a form of meditation and prayer.
Duke: Teaches American history and uses it as an opportunity to role model love and respect for students, regardless of political viewpoints, and to facilitate thoughtful conversations.
David: Grounded in parenting, sharing multiple views with his children, and emphasizing core values learned in church.
Greg: Hopes are centered on God, not politics. He’s seen many political shifts but continues to do his best.
Carrie: Added "Forward Day by Day" to her home screen as a helpful spiritual resource which has created an alternate option to the news.
Trip: Finds solitude and serenity in his home near Sale Creek.
Katherine: Has established a routine of morning meditation, reading Richard Rohr, and intentionally disconnecting from her phone at night.
Amy: Avoids social media and spends time with family and friends to find grounding.
Curt: Finds solace in the shadow of the cross, particularly when work and life become complicated.
Elizabeth: Felt uplifted by the children’s performance of "This Little Light of Mine," a simple yet heartening experience.
Rhett: On day 8 of working from home with kids and sickness, feeling less grounded but working to find solace in faith and God's grace during a challenging season.
Eliza: Finds hope in watching her child, Velma, shine, especially when Velma was kind to a new family at church.
Victoria: Recently left the NICU with Hunter and is grounded by the blessing of having four healthy children and the support of her church family.
Carly: Finds peace in accepting that it’s okay not to be okay and in playtime with her kids, particularly enjoying moments of laughter.
Murdock: Despite minimal hope in politics, his hope is firmly placed in the resurrection and the understanding that Jesus walked the earth and understands human struggles.
Ed: Begins every day with an hour of centering prayer, finding grounding and hope through this practice.
Fr. Ed then led us in an opening prayer.
II. Consent Agenda:
The vestry unanimously approved the December 16 vestry minutes.
III. Action/Discussion Items:
Vestry Officer Election:
Slate: David Spiller, Senior Warden; Katherine Betts, Junior Warden; Carrie Stefaniak, Secretary; Tom White, Treasurer; Hugh Sharber, Chancellor
Motion: Harriet motioned to approve the slate, Seconded: John, Motion passed.
Financial Updates:
The financial statement for December, encompassing the full year, showed a positive result for the year.
Pledge Income: $1.137M (98% of what was budgeted and 93.6% of what was pledged).
Expenses were at 97.25% of what was budgeted, totaling $1.979M.
Savings included $50k on maintenance.
There were two months of overlap between Fr. Brad and Fr. Ed’s tenure in which we spent a little more than planned.
$30k was forgiven on Fr. Brad’s home loan.
Endowment: Totaled about $12.6M and is expected to bring in $60k more than last year.
A committee will be gathered to review the maintenance budget.
2025 Budget:
The budgeting process has been much harder this year than last year. It is being reframed to make it more program-oriented.
Stewardship is vital. We are still shooting for $1.5M in pledge income but have a ways to go.
Uncollected pledges are higher this year, and the finance committee will work through the budget proposal ahead of the February vestry meeting.
There is discussion around a new breakdown of the budget.
IV. Updates:
Search Report:
Two profiles (internal and external) are in progress. The internal profile is complete, and the external profile is nearly finalized. The team is working well together, and applications will be accepted until the end of March.
Junior Warden (Trip):
Water leak in the women's shelter was repaired ($1,900). Roof leak was repaired ($2,800).
YMCA contract expired last June and was renewed for another year. We are looking at what to do next year.
Fr. Murdock:
The Patronal Feast Day had a wonderful turnout of 450 people.
Over 300 tickets sold for the music series.
The bishop’s visit next week will include 25 people being confirmed, received, or baptized.
Registration for Thorne Sparkman is live with a theme of “Reimagining Faith.”
Elizabeth:
Despite a weather-related issue on Sunday, the rituals, routines, and rhythms are off to some success. The rector’s forum and Lenten quiet day are upcoming.
Ed:
The parish is excited about Christian Crocker!
There is a need to address the workload of the finance staff, as Eric has reached his capacity.
The latest magazine edition is excellent.
The bishop's visit is Sunday, and all are invited to attend the lunch with him.
V. Closing Remarks from Vestry members to the exiting Vestry Class of 2024:
Harriet: It has been a wonderful learning opportunity to be involved in the vestry.
John: Agreed with Harriet, acknowledging the great leadership during their time on the vestry.
Curt: Thanked everyone who came before.
Katherine: Appreciates the smooth leadership transition and the outgoing vestry’s efforts.
Carrie: Expressed gratitude for the comforting and supportive vestry members.
Greg: Thanked Will for chairing stewardship and Nelson for his support in orienting him to the vestry. Also thanked Amy for her work on the Search Committee.
David: Expressed thanks for the intangible benefits of their vestry experience.
Duke: Appreciates his existing connections with many departing members of the vestry, and can look to them down the road if need be.
Beth: Honored to follow the outgoing vestry and looks forward to the upcoming work.
Tom: Grateful for the opportunity to serve with the group.
Jeremy: Acknowledged the challenges of vestry service and has appreciated the service and experience of these folks.
Elizabeth: Went through thoughtful discernment before choosing to come to St. Paul’s, and the leadership team had a large impact in leading her to that decision.
Murdock: Expressed thanks for the privilege of serving with the vestry.
Carly: Grateful for the welcome back into a different role and the confidence the group has in her.
Eliza: Thanked the outgoing vestry and expressed admiration for their contributions.
Victoria: Appreciated the many volunteer hours and the dedication of the vestry members.
From the outgoing members:
Will: It has been a challenging year, but he has been grateful for the opportunity to serve and wishes everyone following the best.
Amy: Thankful for the opportunity. Expressed excitement for the incoming wardens and vestry members.
Trip: Enjoyed working with such a great group, all united in doing what’s best for the parish.
Julie: Echoed the words from Fr. Brad’s departure, "With change comes opportunity," and expressed gratitude for the opportunities that have arisen, especially the support from Fr. Ed and Fr. Murdock.
V. Adjournment
Important Dates:
Respectfully Submitted,
Will Hopping, Vestry Clerk
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St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
Vestry Meeting
03/24/2025
5:15pm
I. Welcome
Present at the meeting were David Spiller, Carrie Stefaniak, John Beard, Katherine Betts, Greg Miller, Harriett Whitaker, Curt Hodge, Beth Luehrs, Jennifer Nicely, Victoria Pratt, Duke Richey, Tom White, Amy Arrowsmith, Ed Bacon, Murdock Jones, Elizabeth Farr, and MacKenzie Teal. Joining online were Eliza Williams, Jeremy Weldon, and Carly Woodfin.
Opening Devotional
At Fr. Ed’s invitation, those present described the state of St. Paul’s system after our Listening Sessions and Executive Meetings with the Vestry and Search Committee. Some of the words offered included: healthy, vibrant, disconnected, energy, growth, facing challenges head-on, and talking.
Fr. Ed then led us in an opening prayer.
II. Consent Agenda:
The vestry unanimously approved the January 27, 2025, vestry minutes.
III. Action/Discussion Items:
Search Status (Amy):
The Search Committee feels informed and connected.
Two weeks ago, Amy and OJ announced to the congregation a pause in the search process to conduct listening sessions regarding the Diocese’s investigation of the Title IV complaint.
The Committee met with Ed last Monday to get insights from the listening sessions in connection with the Parish Profile.
Amy has now emailed Joe Woodfin about posting the Parish Profile. Amy will inform the vestry when it is live. Joe will review the applications as they come in and pass them on to the Search Committee on a rolling basis. His review typically takes about a week. The Committee expects applications to start coming in quickly, and the Committee will review them as they come in.
The Committee will receive training on how to handle questions regarding the investigation and complaint when they arise during interviews.
The timeline to complete the search process is unknown. Searches can take a year and a half, and our search started in August 2024. However, Fr. Ed and Hope are prepared to stay until completion. Our new rector may be in place by August 2025, to coincide with the start of a new school year for any children.
Some copies of the Parish Profile will be printed for the congregation.
Listening Sessions:
The purpose of the Listening Sessions seems to have been fulfilled. We will not plan any more for now.
2025 Budget Discussion (Tom):
The church has ample liquidity (a “rainy-day” fund) but static income. Pledges drive the financial flexibility of the church; when pledges are flat, we feel all the “bumps.” In addition, there is broader financial uncertainty.
For past budgets, we have used a “cut and paste” approach, generally only making cost-of-living adjustments for personnel expenses, which account for approximately two thirds of the budget, and also accounting for staff movements in and out. Stewardship pledges are discounted by 4-5% to reflect uncollectibles, and 10% of expenses are set aside for the Diocesan pledge.
Endowment income for 2024 was higher than usual because it included draws on restricted accounts that were not taken in 2023. This increased our checking account but means 2025’s endowment income will be lower by comparison.
Changes from 2024 to 2025 included a rector retirement and search process; a new music program director, which required a higher financial commitment; an associate rector’s joining us; and Fr. Ed’s challenge to the parish to think bigger.
An “aspirational budget” for 2025 with new positions and expanded programs would add $500,000 to $600,000 to the expense base.
A “baseline budget” for 2025 would leave us with a $250,000 deficit (consisting of the search budget, the lower endowment draw, Fr. Bo Townsend’s consultant fees, an associate rector’s first full year, higher compensation for the new rector, redefining the assistant organist position, and higher compensation for the new music director).
The stewardship numbers for 2025 are not yet final; there are twenty-five historic pledges of about $192,000 that have not yet been received.
Tom therefore recommends waiting a few weeks to finalize the budget, leaving time to work on completing the stewardship process.
Ed has reviewed the historic pledge list and believes progress is likely. He will meet with Jennifer, Katherine, and Will to review the list and make a plan to finalize the stewardship process.
Pursuant to the previous email vote of the Vestry, a 3% raise for clergy and staff will be put into place this month, retroactive to Jan. 1, 2025.
Bridge Refugee Services Task Force (Harriett & Fr. Murdock):
St. Paul’s was a founder of Bridge Refugee Services in the 1980s. Federal funds to Bridge have now been cut, leaving Bridge without funds to provide legal refugee families with the 90 days of support they were promised for the initial period of time during which they are not allowed to work, consisting of $1,350 per person. Bridge typically serves 59 people per month. The Diocese has set aside $15,000 for Bridge to fulfill this commitment and is asking parishes to provide additional support.
Shannon Mowrer and Donna Ray are chairing a task force to address this need. Harriett and Burt Whittaker and Carl Green are also on the task force. The task force recommends the open plate offering on the fifth Sunday of Lent be designated for this purpose. There will be an announcement the previous week, and a QR code will be in the bulletin for additional offerings. (An open plate offering is typically $1,000; the task force hopes for $2,000.)
The task force asked for the vestry’s approval of its plan. The vestry agreed.
Mtr. Elizabeth’s Discretionary Fund:
Members of the clergy typically have signature authority for checks from their discretionary accounts. The checks are cut by the financial administrator. Mtr. Elizabeth does not yet have signature authority on her discretionary account.
Tom White (Treasurer) made a motion to add Mother Elizabeth Farr as a signatory on the Discretionary Fund Associate Rector 2 account held at First Horizon Bank (account number #174217660). The motion was seconded by Beth Luehrs and approved unanimously.
IV. Updates:
Finance (Tom):
The February financials look good. Offerings are up over this time last year: we have a net loss of $8,000, whereas last year we had a net loss of $57,000.
Junior Warden (Katherine):
No report.
Senior Warden (David):
No report.
Mtr. Elizabeth:
The Lenten quiet day was a success.
She commended the devotionals in the Lenten bulletins and invited feedback.
Fr. Murdock:
Thorne Sparkman has strong attendance and is being supported well by leadership. 160 people have registered, and 130 people attended each of the first two sessions.
MacKenzie:
Her job is fun, and she is having a blast.
Carly:
Carly praised Meg Settle for her work on the new website, which will be rolled out at the end of April.
Fr. Ed:
The staff will go to the Smiths’ tomorrow to coordinate fall programming. Each staff member will report on their desired plans for the fall. The staff will select a theme for the fall magazine.
A Vestry/Staff Retreat is tentatively scheduled for May 2-3. Ed is looking for a free place to hold the retreat. The tentative schedule is to begin with dinner and an hour of programming on Friday evening and then meet from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday. Joe Woodfin will attend part of the retreat to address the spirituality of administration
V. Adjournment
Important Dates: The next vestry meeting will be April 28, 2025.
Respectfully Submitted,
Carrie Stefaniak, Vestry Clerk
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St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
Vestry Meeting
04/28/2025
5:15pm
I. Welcome
Vestry members and officers present at the meeting were Nelson Eiselstein, David Spiller (Sr. Warden), Carrie Stefaniak (Clerk), John Beard, Katherine Betts (Jr. Warden), Greg Miller, Harriett Whitaker, Curt Hodge, Beth Luehrs, Jennifer Nicely, Victoria Pratt, Duke Richey, and Tom White (Treasurer). Vestry members joining online were Rhett Bentley, Eliza Williams, and Jeremy Weldon. Clergy and staff present were Fr. Ed Bacon, Fr. Murdock Jones, Mtr. Elizabeth Farr, Patty Brigham, MacKenzie Teal, and Carly Woodfin. Also present was Amy Arrowsmith, co-chair of the Search Committee.
Opening Devotional
At Fr. Ed’s invitation, those present shared their thoughts including on going forward, families and children in the parish, Easter, Youth Sunday, and “our real, right-now lives.” Prayers were requested for Craig, Miguel, and Aubrey.
Fr. Ed then led us in an opening prayer.
II. Consent Agenda:
The vestry unanimously approved the March 24, 2025, vestry minutes.
III. Action/Discussion Items:
Stewardship: Fr. Ed reported that work is ongoing. He, Katherine, and Jennifer Nicely are making phone calls to selected parishioners.
Budget:
Tom presented a budget with a $262,000 deficit.
Tom noted that a deficit budget is sometimes acceptable, but should be under $100,000.
Contributing factors include apparently flat pledges (although income for the first quarter is 18% higher year-over-year, indicating pledge records may not be accurate); transition expenses related to multiple positions; lower endowment income; and search expenses.
The church has one-time-only liquidity of $700,000.
Expenses can be reduced over the year and pledges may be increased, both of which would reduce the deficit.
Discussion included whether to return the budget to the committee to be reduced; the fact that staff are not currently receiving monthly reports on their accounts, but Carly has a system in place that can begin generating those reports once a budget is passed; and the importance of addressing the difficult issues involved in reducing the 2026 budget no later than the fall of 2025 if a deficit budget is passed.
Upon David’s motion and Beth’s second, the budget was approved on a vote of 11 for and 2 against.
Vestry/Staff Retreat:
Ed informed the vestry of the plan for the vestry/staff retreat. Friday evening will include a vestry orientation for all by Canon to the Ordinary Joe Woodfin. On Saturday morning, the Bishop will join us to discuss the effect of past disciplinary matters on the parish. On Saturday morning, the vestry and staff will discuss implementing learnings for the future of St. Paul’s.
YMCA:
Katherine informed the vestry that the YMCA renewal is due June 1. The YMCA is running at a loss, so paying rent is not feasible. Katherine, Hugh, and Carly are working on a contract that would require the YMCA to pay 2% of the church’s utility costs going forward for use of the space. A motion was made, seconded, and unanimously approved to enter such a contract.
IV. Updates:
Search Committee (Amy):
The committee has had interview training with Joe Woodfin and conducted two mock interviews. The interview team will consist of Amy, OJ Morgan, and Brad Pope.
Joe reports receiving 4 applications so far and sending solicitation letters to 11 other prospects as to whom suggestions have been received.
The committee intends to keep the posting open as long as necessary rather than closing it on a predetermined date.
Junior Warden (Katherine):
Patty reported early in the meeting that the air conditioning unit for St. George’s Chapel and the Ava Wright Room is failing. A replacement will cost $12,269 and requires four to six weeks for delivery. Katherine will refer this matter to the Treasurer and Finance Committee.
Katherine will convene the first meeting on hospitality and accessibility, with a group consisting of herself, Fr. Murdock, and Maureen Donelly.
Katherine is compiling a list of capital-campaign needs.
Senior Warden (David):
David conveyed the thanks of a parishioner to the vestry and search committee.
Fr. Murdock:
Thorne Sparkman had its best year in a long time for consistent attendance, with 130-150 attendees every night. Expenses were a little higher.
Easter attendance totalled 1,200 for the four services.
Mtr. Elizabeth:
She is working on plans for fall formation.
There will be four baptisms on Mother’s Day.
Endowment Committee (Tom):
Despite market volatility, the endowments are down only 2-3%.
Fr. Ed:
Thirty people have signed up for each of the next two Wednesdays to plan for continuing spiritual development and engagement activities into the fall and after Fr. Ed’s departure.
V. Adjournment
Important Dates: The next vestry meeting will be May 19, 2025 (later changed to Tuesday, May 27, 2025, following an email poll of the vestry members).
VI. Actions Between Meetings
Upon David’s motion made with the support of the Wardens Committee, the vestry voted by email to remove the portrait of the immediate past rector. The vestry will discuss separately how to memorialize his tenure for the accuracy of the history of St. Paul’s.
Respectfully Submitted,
Carrie Stefaniak, Vestry Clerk
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St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
Vestry Meeting
05/27/2025
5:15pm
I. Welcome
Vestry members and officers present at the meeting were David Spiller (Sr. Warden), Carrie Stefaniak (Clerk), John Beard, Jeremy Weldon, Curt Hodge, Beth Luehrs, Duke Richey, and Tom White (Treasurer). Vestry member Jennifer Nicely joined online. Clergy and staff present were Fr. Ed Bacon, Fr. Murdock Jones, Mtr. Elizabeth Farr, and Carly Woodfin. Also present through her report made immediately after the devotional was Amy Arrowsmith, co-chair of the Search Committee.
Opening Devotional
At Fr. Ed’s invitation, those present shared their reflections on where we are at St. Paul’s, including considering the Wardens Panel at Rector’s Forum on May 18. Answers included positive energy, a tap root in love, and building community and trust in the vestry and parish.
Fr. Ed then led us in an opening prayer.
II. Consent Agenda:
The vestry unanimously approved the April 28, 2025, vestry minutes.
III. Action/Discussion Items:
Debriefing from the Wardens Committee Panel at the May 18 Rector’s Forum was completed in connection with the devotional.
Forming ad hoc committee to collect and recommend steps for vestry empowerment: Carrie will convene Katherine and John, with an invitation to Amy Arrowsmith, to develop a proposal to the vestry.
Budget tracking and deficit reduction planning:
Tom noted the importance of stewardship efforts and deferred one item to the executive session.
Carly confirmed that the new ministry-level budget tracking system is operational, and clergy and staff are getting budget reports.
Further discussion was deferred to the June meeting
Options for memorializing rector history:
David invited us to think about options.
Carly will send David contact information for other parishes who have addressed this question.
Resolution to establish the Barbara Miller Fund:
Tom moved to establish the “Barbara Miller Fund,” which will receive an initial deposit of $25,500, to be housed with the restricted funds at the Episcopal Endowment Corporation, which will have an annual 4% draw and focus on social action.
Beth seconded the motion.
Following discussion, the motion was approved unanimously.
IV. Reports:
Search Committee (Amy):
The committee has received 19 applications. This number seems unsurprising given the nationwide clergy shortage.
The committee will meet June 9 to discern the “semi-finalists” and plan site visits.
The process may result in a fall start for the next rector.
Stewardship Committee (Jennifer):
The committee is making calls.
HR Committee (Jeremy):
The committee has had an initial meeting. Members will be Brad Pope, Burt Whitaker, and Allison Shaw.
Finance Committee (Beth):
The committee has been meeting with David Hindy and will have more to report next month.
Junior Warden (David for Katherine Betts):
The kitchen refrigerator and the HVAC unit for St. George’s Chapel have been ordered.
The accessibility group is working.
Hugh is working on a new draft of the contract with the YMCA.
Senior Warden (David):
George Patten is encouraging the Severins to apply for a clergy scholarship from the Bradford Seminarian Fund.
Fr. Murdock:
The Trotter Scholarship Committee has been formed with Bill Eiselstein as chair and Murdock as voting liaison. They are receiving applications through May 31 and will present a report at the next vestry meeting for a vote.
St. Catherine’s Shelter will be promoted again for parish volunteers.
Ascension Day will be observed this Thursday.
Parish Administrator (Carly):
Carly will offer training on Realm to vestry members before the rollout to the parish on Pentecost.
Endowment Committee (Tom):
Despite market volatility, the endowments are down only 2-3%.
Fr. Ed:
Fr. Ed discussed the formation of three new committees with vestry representation: Finance with Beth Luehrs, HR with Jeremy Weldon, and Stewardship with Jennifer Nicely.
Allison Shaw is ready to start on the nominating committee.
He is considering adding a second weekly session of Centering Prayer based on parishioner requests. It would be on Friday mornings.
He is experimenting with having class attendees volunteer to pick up dinner for his summer Wednesday-night classes. Forty people attended last week.
V. The Vestry met in executive session from 6:40 to 7:00.
VI. Adjournment
Important Dates: The next vestry meeting will be June 16, 2025.
Respectfully Submitted,
Carrie Stefaniak, Vestry Clerk
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St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
Vestry Meeting
06/16/2025
5:15pm
I. Welcome
Vestry members and officers present at the meeting were David Spiller (Sr. Warden), John Beard, Jeremy Weldon, Curt Hodge, Jennifer Nicely, Victoria Pratt, Harriett Whitaker and Tom White (Treasurer). Vestry member Eliza Williams joined online. Clergy and staff present were Fr. Ed Bacon, Fr. Murdock Jones, and Carly Woodfin. Also present through her report was Amy Arrowsmith, co-chair of the Search Committee and Alison Shaw representing the HR Committee.
Opening Devotional
At Fr. Ed’s invitation, those present shared their reflections on what are you thinking about in regards to our national life, parish life, and personal life? How is St. Paul’s supporting you?
Answers included the metaphor we are under construction as a nation, in our personal life, and parish life to the feeling of peace at being home in Chattanooga.
Fr. Ed then led us in an opening prayer.
II. Consent Agenda:
The vestry unanimously approved the May 27, 2025, vestry minutes.
III. Action/Discussion Items:
Treasurer's Report: The vestry received a financial update from Tom. He reported that pledge and non-pledge collections were performing well, with non-pledge collections running $100,000 higher than last year. Tom mentioned that the May financials would be delayed by a few days due to an ongoing audit.
Search Committee: Amy Arrowsmith reported on the progress of the search committee.
19 application at the close of the application
13 of the 19 interview via Zoom
2 withdrew names
11 candidates remained following the Zoom interviews and 8 candidates were eliminated.
3 semi-finalist with site visit in the next couple of weeks
The site visit will consist of sharing a meal with the candidate, watching the candidate preach a sermon, interacting with the parish, and watching how the candidate interacts with the parish.
Narrow the candidates or bring all three candidates to Chattanooga
Visit will consist of meeting with wardens, staff, touring Chattanooga
Earliest visit to Chattanooga in late July
YMCA Contract:
A meeting with YMCA leadership took place today, June 16.
YMCA hasn’t paid for rent, utilities, but had been invoiced by Patty for maintenance expenses
YMCA is an Outreach Ministry
2% of utilities
Annual expense for maintenance has been $1500
YMCA will pay a maximum of $2,500 of maintenance expenses
Once the contract is finalized by our chancellor, it will be sent out for a digital approval.
Options for memorializing rector history:
David will send out proposed solutions for digital vote.
Resolution to establish the Jim & Dorothy Boyd Fund:
Tom moved to establish the “Jim & Dorothy Boyd Fund,” which will receive an initial deposit of $350,000, to be housed with the restricted funds at the Episcopal Endowment Corporation, which will have an annual 4% draw and focus on the mission of St. Paul’s to the Glory of God.
Jennifer seconded the motion.
Following discussion, the motion was approved unanimously.
Staff Handbook
Jeremy requested that feedback be submitted to him by the end of this week.
The handbook is a standard handbook
Trotter Scholarship: Committee consist of Bill Eiselstein, Hillary Spiller, Ashleigh Pipe, and Murdock Jones. Murdock Jones moved to grant the following applicants scholarships.
Atlee Elliot $2,125
Claire Scotchie- $2,125
Eslie Elliot- $2,125
Ward Richey- $2,125
Kate Becksvoort $1,500
Jane Becksvoort- $500
Grace Sharp- $500
Alexis- $500
John Beard motion
Jennifer Nicely seconded
The motion was approved unanimously
IV. Reports:
Stewardship Committee (Jennifer):
Jennifer commented that there are 30 people who made pledges last year, but haven’t pledged yet
She is asking for 5-6 people who would be willing to make phone calls
Ed Bacon
The committee is working on strategy & messaging
Legacy Gift: Records aren’t organized well.
David Spiller will work on a stewardship letter to the parish
First this ask then dinners or gathers
The committee will begin talks about 2026 campaign
Major Gift-
$4,700 (single)
$9,400 (family)
HR Committee (Jeremy):
The committee met today, June 16 to discuss a couple job descriptions. Members will be Brad Pope, Carly Woodfin, Bert Whitaker, and Alison Shaw.
Junior Warden (Carly for Katherine Betts):
A building audit will be conducted by Katherine Betts, Ron Colvin, and Suzanne Barels on June 25. The audit will assess the functionality of the building and rooms.
Senior Warden (David):
David will meet with the Severins this week to encourage them to apply for a clergy scholarship from the Bradford Seminarian Fund.
Fr. Murdock:
Fr. Murdock and the pastoral care team has been building and improving a system within Realm to care for parishioners.
Fr. Murdock looks forward to working with Harriett Whitaker to build the Outreach Ministry.
Liturgy & Worship:
Summer Special kicked off this past Sunday with approximately 80 people in attendance, one of the largest Summer Specials that anyone has experienced. Summer Special was moved to Key Andrews to honor the designation of the Yo Room as Youth space.
Over the three services we had an attendance of 350 which is great for the summer.
Parish Administrator (Carly):
Realm rollout has been successful.
Fr. Ed:
One of the biggest goals is to form committees and liaisons
Music & Art- Curt Hodge
Contemplative Ministry- Rhett Bentley
Outreach Committee- Harriett Whitaker
Formation & Family Ministry- Duke Richey
V. The Vestry met in executive session from 6:40.
VI. Adjournment
Important Dates: The next vestry meeting will be August 18, 2025. We will break in July.
Respectfully Submitted,