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Vestry Minutes for January 5, 2006

“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”
Matthew 18:20

Opening Prayer – Susie led the group in an opening prayer, and asked the other vestry members to consider leading an opening prayer at a future meeting.

In Attendance – Steve Wing, Hans Spanjaart, Mary McPherson, Susanne Moore, Susie Ferguson,      George Romer, Ron Howie, Kim Petruzzelli, Jim McPherson, Stephen Mills

Clerk for the Evening – Jim McPherson

Susie noted that the clerk is usually someone not a member of the vestry who helps by taking the minutes, distributing them to the members, posting them on the bulletin board, etc.  If anyone knows of someone who would be willing to take on the task, please contact them and ask them to contact Susie.  It was also discussed and agreed that the “owner” of the minutes would prepare and distribute a draft of the minutes to the members; and would send out a final version to everyone with any corrections.

Approval of Minutes – The minutes of the December 14, 2005 meeting were approved with corrections

Committee Reports

Finance - Hans provided a brief overview of the finance activities.

Stewardship - The group discussed several stewardship issues:

• The function of the Stewardship Committee, its role v. the vestry's role
• Stewardship activities in 2006 will be discussed at the retreat
• The 2005 stewardship campaign and pledges for the 2006 fiscal year were discussed.

Communication -

• Hans raised the issue of vestry visibility in the Shape. There was general agreement; and Hans volunteered to lead the effort to have a vestry article in each issue of the Shape.
• Susie suggested sharing "gifts of gratitude" for inclusion in the Shape to recognize the many contributions (large and small) made by the members of the ECA family. Susie will solicit suggestions/input at each vestry meeting.
• Kim offered a reminder that the deadline to submit items for the Shape is the 15th of the month, and noted the rectory address had been deleted to allow more room to list our ministries.
• Susie provided a Vestry Prayer Request for the members to share their special prayer concerns with one another through the month. Susie will compile and distribute the request to the vestry members within a few days of each vestry meeting.

Spiritual Growth - No Report

Fellowship - Kim shared that we'd received the check from Fresh Choice, which would be sent to the Episcopal Relief and Development Fund to aid hurricane victims.

Worship - Susie asked anyone with items for the Worship Committee to forward them to Sandie Mueller. The next Worship Committee meeting is Friday, January 13 at 6:30pm. Jim will be attending the meeting, and you can also send anything you'd like to share with the Worship Committee to Jim.

Outreach - No Report

Christian Education & Youth - No Report

Rector's Report

• Stephen noted that the gate had blown down at the Rectory. George has already been out to assist.
• The Diocesan convention is coming up on January 28 in Salinas. Nothing too controversial on the agenda, but they will be discussing the 10/10/10 contribution.
• African Team Ministries has advised that Bishop Shalita will be in town on January 29.
• Bishop Romero will be visiting on March 26. Stephen and Kevin are working on a joint confirmation on 3/26 for the youth in 8th grade and up. Stephen will submit an article for the Shape.
• Effort is underway to resume an Easter sunrise service jointly with UCC.

Unfinished Business

Picture Board - Mel Stonehocker and Sandie Mueller are working on the family picture board. Sandie offered to take the new pictures. Mel has agreed to put the new board together. She would enjoy working with someone new on this part of the project. If you know of someone, please let her know.

Nativity Scene - Steven shared that Marion Henderson from UCC has offered to make a nativity scene for next year. Jackie Whitlock purchased the "interim" nativity scene, which was set up by John McPherson.

Lighted Sign - This item was deferred to the February meeting.

Vestry Meeting Dates/Time - Susie proposed moving the meeting to the 2nd Wednesday of the month, 7 - 9pm. The proposal was approved.

New Business & Discussion

Vestry Retreat - Susie facilitated a group discussion on our expectations, desires, needs for the upcoming retreat. The Retreat Committee will meet briefly after the Vestry meeting, and again before the retreat to prepare.

Miscellaneous - Hans noted that he needs to get the final corrected copies of the May and June 2005 minutes from Sandie, and the July and October 2005 minutes from Inge. The group was reminded that Maryke also needs to receive the final minutes in a timely manner.  Kim noted that she has the folder with the notes from the joint ECA/UCC Building Committee (2001). It was given to George.

Closing Prayer - Stephen led the group in a closing prayer.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jim McPherson

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The Episcopal Church in Almaden
6581 Camden Avenue, San Jose, California 95120
www.eca-sj.org            (408) 268-0243