Clergy: Rev. Dr. Lawrence Packard

Minutes of October 20, 2015 VESTRY MEETING

In attendance Clergy: Rev. Dr. Lawrence Packard Vestry: John Morris (Senior Warden), Charley Hoffman (Junior Warden), Martha Allen Godin (Register), Anne Allen, Tom Appich, Karen Geier-Smith, Jeff Greenfield, Bob Hall, Roger Libby, and Cindy Thomas. Visitors: Amy Brennan, Good Shepherd Preschool Director and Michelle Gotico, Good Shepherd Preschool Board Chair

The meeting opened with prayer at 7:35 pm.

Consent Agenda 1. Minutes of the September 15 2015 Vestry Meeting; 2. Building and Grounds Report; 3. Rental Ministry Report; 4. Monthly Finance Report; 5. All Saints Parish Breakfast November 1; 6. A Building & Grounds motion for authorization to exceed $1000 for air conditioner repairs; and 7. Notice that $750 from Continuing Education will be contributed towards Brian Walsh’s application for postulancy.

Rev. Dr. Packard moved that the consent agenda be approved, John Morris seconded and the MOTION CARRIED unanimously.

Preschool Director Amy Brennan and Preschool Board Chair Michelle Gotico reported that the Director and Board are working well together. The Preschool is nearly fully enrolled. New this year, the Preschool is offering a 10% tuition discount to military families. Thirteen military families have children enrolled in the Preschool. The Preschool will hold its 7th annual International Night for Preschool families on November 12.

Discussion & Action Items

 Rev. Dr. Packard updated the Vestry on his recent cataract surgery. He will have surgery on his other eye next week. He also reported that Jim Connolly will take responsibility for coordinating food drives. Rev. Dr. Packard has been working with office staff to standardize the Sunday bulletin format.  John Morris reported that he is working on ways to control copier costs. Groups that sell tickets to their events will be expected to reimburse the church for the costs of copies made for publicity, programs, etc.  Roger Libby reported that 91 pledges for approximately $320,000 have been made so far as part of the fall Stewardship campaign. This is a strong start, but less than half of the pledges and dollars that we are expecting. The average increase per pledge is 6.07%. He met with the Youth Group on Sunday to talk with youth about pledging.  John Morris moved that Karen Geier-Smith and Martha Allen Godin be appointed as the Vestry Election committee, Jeff Greenfield seconded, and the MOTION CARRIED unanimously.  Karen Geier-Smith and Martha Allen Godin updated the Vestry on plans for this year’s Vestry Elections. Twenty parishioners have been nominated as candidates. The election will be held on December 1, with discernment discussions to be held the first week of November.  Tom Appich reported that he is awaiting technical support from the library catalog software company before shelf reading can begin.  John Morris reported that he and Tom Allen have discussed Good Shepherd Players storage needs.  Rev. Dr. Packard reported that Fellowship and Pastoral Care Committees have been established. A Baptism Committee will be established shortly. Cindy Thomas reported that the Youth Committee is researching standards of conduct for youth leaders and volunteers. A job description for a Christian Education Director is being drafted.

The meeting adjourned at 8:44 pm. With Rev. Packard’s permission, the Vestry then met without him to discuss issues related to the Transition. A festive reception for Melissa Packard is being planned for December 6 and one for Rev. Dr. Packard on December 13.