Vestry Meeting Minutes
SMM
May 14, 2025
Attendees: Steve Hirtzel, Paul Patrick, Kim Gerhardt, Cyndi Troyer, Susan Petrakos, Regina Berens, Fr. David Wilcox, and Jane Brucker. Don Gerhardt attended the first part of the meeting to provide a Building and Grounds update.
Steve Hirtzel called the meeting to order with a prayer at 7:00 PM
Building and Grounds: Don reported that there are three (3) issues requiring serious attention: the fire alarm panel, the heat pump replacement, and the driveway repair. After extensive discussion, it was determined that we would immediately address the fire alarm panel and have the heat pump replaced. We will discuss the driveway repair at the next Vestry meeting.
Fr. Chas – Congregational Vitality Assessment: Fr. Chas reviewed the congregational vitality questionnaire which had been sent out to the congregation at the request of Biship Amy. Fr. Chas will send the results to Fr. David to distribute to the Vestry. Based on the information, Fr. Chas suggested SMM’s Vestry focus on two to three items and set measurable goal to be evaluated on a regular basis.
Approval of Meeting Minutes: The minutes of the April 13th Vestry Meeting we approved.
Priest Report: Fr. David reported on his very busy month. We had over 200 attendees over the seven services during Holy Week. We hosted the DOK assembly. Over $2,200 was raised for Maison de Naissance; and we will apply for an outreach grant from the Diocese for $1,000. Fr. David met with Tom Kokjer and Regina Berens regarding the mortgage presentation to be made to the diocesan finance committee. Bishop Amy is in favor of our pending request. Fr. David met with several parishioners as well as Biship Amy. He also attended Bishop Amy’s Consecration. He is looking forward to meeting with the newly formed Youth Group, the confirmations on June 1st, attending Camp the first week of June, and the Vestry Retreat with Walker Adams June 13th and 14th. The Vestry will be having lunch with Bishop Amy on June 1st after services.
Financial Update: Cyndi reported that the audit is coming up. She will be working at breaking out the funds attributed to the Columbarium, for landscaping, and the labyrinth. Each should have their own account. New envelopes are in the Narthex by the bulletins for donations for some of our “special” funds such as Pay Off the Principal.
Continuing Business:
Building and Grounds: Paul advised that the sprinklers are on as well as the A/C, and our issues with our AT&T connection have been resolved.
5K for Health: Steve and Fr. David had our table at the event and handed out SMM swag. Steve suggested that next year we do a swag bag for dogs as well since so many participants had dogs with them.
Soccer Schedule: Steve has been unable to connect with the coach of the team we sponsor to schedule a game for us to attend and bring snacks. We will review this sponsorship next season.
Heart N Hand Gala: May 17th is the Gala and Steve and Fr. David will see who they can get in addition to Regina and Cyndi to attend.
Montessori School: After extensive research and discussion, it is not a good fit for our facility. The liability, size, and facility management are not things we can manage at this time.
Children and Youth Updates: Steve said we have between 0 – 4 children each Sunday. Lauren and Steve will be leading the Youth Group and the first meeting is Sunday, May 18th.
Next Vestry Meeting: We will have our June Vestry Meeting when Walker Adams visits. There will be a meet & greet Friday June 13th, and we will have the retreat on Saturday June 14th. More details will follow.
New Business: The Vestry will cover coffee hour on May 25th as Jane will be out. The Vestry will have lunch with Bishop Amy on June 1 following service. This will allow her to get to know us and our parish better. Fr. David mentioned that there is a Child Abuse and Trafficking Awareness Training which will be held on June 3rd at Belton Cinima 8 (near HyVee). It is free of charge, but they ask that you purchase something from the concession to help offset the cost.
Next Meeting: June 13th and June 14th – times to follow.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 with Fr. David’s closing prayer.
