Iona-Hope Episcopal Church

Minutes of the Vestry

June 8, 2010

Present

The Rev. Dr. John Adler, Senior Pastor

Ms. Deb Prather, Senior Warden

Mr. Ray Farrara, Junior Warden

Mrs. Paula Paquette

Mr. Doug Madeley

Ms. Deb Studybaker

Ms. Virginia Harper, Clerk of the Vestry

Not Present: Ms. Gail Hamlett, Mr. Jimmy Ellis, Mr. William Shaw, Mr. Doug Williamson, Mr. Mort McDonald, Treasurer

Fr. Adler called meeting to order and opened the meeting with prayer led by Ms. Prather at 6:07 p.m.

In order of the Agenda:

No guests to introduce.

Fr. Adler passed Vestry Correspondence for review.

Minutes for the May meeting approved and filed for the record.

Small Group Reports delayed until after Treasurer’s Report by affirmation. (See below).

Junior Warden’s Report: Mr. Farrara reported that he had installed a fan in the Ladies’ room.

Health Updates: 

Ms. Prather reported on the Pastoral Ministry. Ms. Joan Walton has been added to the group.

Senior Warden’s Report: 

Ms. Prather reported that she continues to work on common clarity for parishioner’s membership status. She is also working on clarifying and studying the needs of parishioners or potential parishioners who live at Shell Point and would like to attend Iona-Hope.

Diocesan Council: Mr. Adler reported no news. The next meeting will be June 19, 2010.

Welcoming and Incorporating: Mr. Madeley continues to develop a new welcoming process for Iona-Hope. He hopes to present the new process at the September meeting.

The July newsletter deadline is June 25, 2010.

Treasurer’s Report (see attached report). Mr. McDonald being absent, Fr. Adler reported the financials and then presented the following information for the Vestry to consider and preview:

• Debt Service Plan: Iona-Hope will be consolidating its debt to take advantage of an offer from the Diocese. Outstanding loans will be consolidated to a one payment with 3% interest to be made to the diocese. Fr. Adler and Ms. Vickers for the Diocese will be overseeing this process. The total payment due from Iona-Hope each month will be $4216. This pay out schedule begins July 10, 2010. this will combine two separate loans into one and result in a monthly reduction in principal balance. Affirmed by Vestry.

• Congregational Status: Fr. Adler asked the Vestry to review process for Iona-Hope to become parish status from present mission status. He presented the advantages and disadvantages and asked for Vestry to think about a time table if possible and events planning: 3 delegates to convention instead of 2. Vicar would become Rector. Parish would oversee Rector, not Bishop. Ms. Prather suggested October of 2011. Mr. Madeley suggested a celebratory event involving all parishioners if possible.

Small Groups Reports:

Ms. Prather reported:

Quint Squad is functioning extraordinarily well. 

Pastoral Ministry: See previous report on Health Updates above.

Wonderful Wednesday:  Fall is scheduled for the study of the Gospel of Matthew. Winter will revisit “Living the Questions” and events are planned through Easter.

Ms. Studybaker reported:

Hunger Ministry: Needs volunteers. Iona-Hope continues to serve 6 families and as part of community organization feeds 19000 people with 175 volunteers from 11 churches.

Church School: Two new teachers have been hired and materials have been ordered and will arrive soon.

More acolytes are needed. 

Shawl Ministry and Book Club are doing well.

Mr. Farrara reported:

The Tech squad continues to provide support at each service. Any new members wishing to join should contact him.

Ms. Paquette reported:

ESL and Spanish classes continue and are both doing well.

The continuation and formation of the Women’s Spiritual Group meets on the second Thursday of each month at 6 pm.

Other: Fr. Adler announced that Iona-Hope will be hosting the graduation of 4 yr olds from Brightest Horizons, July 17, 2010. Fr. Adler has been elected President of the Board of the Pre-School. Vestry members indicated they would be happy to help out to make Iona-Hope more accessible and welcoming during special events. Vestry members would like to pursue more special events and community wide services including concerts in 2010-2011. Mr. Farrara would like to continue working on the idea of a farmers’ market.

Other: Ms. Paquette requested that the Women’s Spirituality Group be allowed to convert the unused office space in the Parish Hall/Gathering Place to a quiet room/spiritual retreat office, conference room. The group would be responsible for the cleanup and decoration. Fr. Adler will take the matter under advisement and meet with Ms. Paquette.

Meeting Adjourned at 7:30 PM with prayer.

Respectfully submitted,

Virginia Harper

Clerk of the Vestry