Vestry Meeting Minutes
Retreat
2/15/2025
Attendees: Steve Hirtzel, Regina Berens, Paul Patrick, Cyndi Troyer, Karen Hauswald, Kim Gerhardt, Susan Petrakos, Penny Krupp, Fr. David, and Jane Brucker
Opening Prayer: The meeting was opened with a prayer lead by Steve at 9:05.
Approval of January 12th Vestry Meeting Minutes – the minutes were approved with two modifications.
Priest Report: Father David outlined the visits he had made and meetings he had attended. He also presided over a wedding on 2/14 of a couple from Loch Lloyd. The subject of SMM’s mortgage was discussed with Bishop Diane, Tom Kokjer, and Fr. Chas. Fr. David discussed the possibility of the Diocese assuming our mortgage at a negotiated rate. Currently we have to negotiate our mortgage every few years with the bank. Interest rates at the bank currently are 3.5% and could jump to 7%. We are discussing possible solutions with the Diocese that would save us money when the current mortgage has to be renegotiated.
Financial Update: There were no questions about the financials presented by Cyndi. Cyndi did remind us there are funds in our Outreach Fund which can be used for some of our activities.
Continuing Business:
Building and Grounds
We need additional people for the Mowing Team. The notice will be posted in the bulletin as well as in The Call. There is a need to replace some of the emergency lights. They will be ordered and installed. Testing of the lights will be put on the monthly maintenance schedule. Since Don is responsible to purchase supplies regularly, the Vestry voted to give Don a credit card with a $500 limit to reduce the number of reimbursement-checks Cyndi is writing for Don’s out-of-pocket payments.
On-Site Events
Chet Neumann’s memorial will be February 22. Denise is working with Gudrun on the details.
Mardi Gras Themed Fellowship hour follow services on March 2nd. A signup Genius will be sent out for sides to go along with Pancakes and sausage.
Ash Wednesday Service
– March 5th at 7PM. Fr. David will hold Private Confession on March 4th from 6 PM to 7 PM.
Lenten Study: Fr. David will conduct a Lenten Study using Life in Christ: Practicing Christian Spirituality. They will be held via Google Meet on Wednesdays starting March 12th at 7 PM. The study will conclude on April 9th.
Community Garden
Sarah will plan a date for a Garden Work Day (now set for March 15th) to prepare the beds for the new growing season.
New Business:
Again, this year, an anonymous donor has purchased a table for us at the Heart N Hand benefit being held May 17th at The Venue in Leawood.
Denise Koch suggests we amend our wedding guidelines to include posting the service on You Tube for an additional $50. At present, the fee for use of our facility is $950. The Vestry approved this change.
It was suggested that we hold a Board Game night/Taco Dinner. As there is so much going on during this Holy season, we will discuss this more at a future Vestry Meeting.
Denise suggested that Signup Genius emails be sent out separately so they don’t get lost.
An anonymous donor has offered to build a BBQ patio on the west side of the building where the grills are currently stored. This gift was unanimously approved/accepted.
A donor has paid for us to be one of the sponsors of the Belton 5K being held on May 3rd. We can have a booth if we have people to cover it.
Cyndi suggested developing a new “Special Funds” envelope to more easily track donations made for different funds—for example, POP, Community Garden, Landscape, etc.
Safe Church Training—Anyone with a key to the church must complete the Safe Church Training either online or as a half day training (Fr. David will conduct as necessary). This training is also required of all Vestry members. Additional subjects are required by any working in the nursery/education field.
Any Other Business (AOB):
Sarah Hirtzel is a Master Gardener and has been offered an 8 x 12 shed along with a small greenhouse. She just needs them moved to the garden. Paul and Steve will see if they can find someone to help.
Next Vestry Meeting: March 9th at noon.
