IONA-HOPE EPISCOPAL CHURCH

Minutes of the Vestry

November 11, 2011

Present

The Rev. Dr. John Adler, Senior Pastor

Mrs. Paula Paquette, Senior Warden

Mr. Louis Soissons, Junior Warden

Ms. Gail Hamlett, Mr. Doug Madely, Ms. Nancy Martins, Mr. Julio Morales, Mr. Len Rubens, Mr. William Shaw, Mr. Mort McDonald Treasurer

Ms. Virginia Harper, Clerk of the Vestry

1.       Ms. Paquette opened the meeting with prayer/reflection at 6:00PM. 

2.       No Guests to introduce.

3.       Fr. Adler passed Vestry Correspondence and asked Members to be aware of        numerous reports attached for meeting.  Filed.

4.       Fr. Adler asked for Small Groups Reports:

Mr. Madeley:  Justice Ministry continues with huge support from parish. Very exciting! (See chart of teams presented.) Mr. Madeley is very proud of parish participating. However, more participation is needed.  Please watch emails.  Team leaders step up please.  Mr. Madeley and Fr. Adler attended first research meeting at Temple Beth-El, next meeting Dec. 1, Please watch emails for decisions re ministry’s position.  Fr. Adler commented on participation and direction.  Church needs to remain heavily involved.

The Stewardship program ready to gear up again.  Finance Team membership to be selected.  Calendar of stewardship committee activities to be presented next meeting.

·        Gail Hamlett:  Thrift shop announced community outreach grants for 2011 under approval of church/vestry.  $4,000 to be awarded of $1000 each to Brightest Horizons, El Hogar, Footsteps to the Future, Hope Club House, and South Fort Myers Food Pantry Coalition.  Christmas decorations are out in the store.  Sojourners returning.  Volunteers needed.  Wacky Wednesday sales returning.

                Women’s breakfast continues to meet. 

·        Louis Soissons:  Supper Club is switching to a more “appetizer friendly’ format to lesson work load. Continues successfully.  Newcomers at 9:30 service gearing up.    

·        Paula Paquette:  Merry Makers event planning.  John needs more candid pictures of groups in action.

5.      Minutes of October Vestry Meeting approved.

6.      Mr. Louis Soisson, Junior Warden’s Report:  Will get with Fr. Adler to review roles, ask for how best to handle duties.  Suggestions welcome.

7.      Fr. Adler reviewed parishioner’s health updates (See Pastor’s report for confidentiality).

8.      Convention report: Dr. Harper and Fr. Adler thanked parish for a tremendous celebration. Dr. Harper suggested having a table of “wares” in the hall at next convention. 3 buses of parishioners arrived to participate in conversion to parish status celebration. Many compliments from Diocese on Iona-Hope participants and quite a celebration, very exciting.

9.      Christmas Tree for Life:  Ms. Deb Prather has volunteered to place Tree for Life for the benefit of Episcopal Relief and Development during Holiday Season.  Ms. Paquette suggested adding local charities to the tree as well.

10.  Computer upgrades continue and will be done when done per Fr. Adler.

11.  Hunger Ministry Changes are being monitored.

12.  Ms. Paula Paquette, Senior Warden’s Report

Convention wonderful, Fr. Adler praised.

·        Ms. Paquette presented a working Master Calendar of Iona-Hope events (see calendar).  Discussion or changes if needed.

·        Ms. Paquette opened discussion on best timing and operation of Ministry Fair, in conjunction with Bishop’s Visit.  Discussion of Tree for Life, Christmas, Advent Quiet Day planned.   Working titles. TBA

13.  Mr. Mort McDonald presented Finance Report (see attached report). Discussed Stewardship and other expenditures for year.  Be aware of unexpected expenditures. Discussion on possible fundraising.  Finance team members TBA.

·        Fr. Adler asked for approval to possibly interview and hire Pastor Kerry Stewman as part time assisting.  Will meet with Senior Warden and Pastor Stewman to decide compensation and duties.

·        Dr. Harper proposed a TV show on public access, to table for further discussion.

14.  December Newsletter deadline is November 25, 2011.

15.  Next Vestry Meeting:   Tuesday, December 13, 2011

16.  There being no other business meeting adjourned with prayer at 7:41 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Virginia E. Harper, Ed.D.  Clerk of the Vestry