VESTRY MEETING MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 23, 2025
Attendees: Fr. David, Steve Hirtzel, Cyndi Troyer, Paul Patrick, Regina Berens, Kim Gerhardt, Susan Petrakos, Karen Hauswald and Jane Brucker
The meeting was called to order by Steve Hirtzel and opened with a prayer at 7pm.
Previous Meeting Minutes: The meeting minutes of the August 5, 2025 meeting were approved as submitted. Jane requested that the supplemental spreadsheet of action items be updated by the specific groups/committees. This will eliminate any discrepancies of specific (Church Growth, Spiritual Development, and Stewardship) items and dates.
Priest’s Report: Fr. David submitted a comprehensive report. Attendance continues to be a concern; however, it is still up. There are some changed in the Altar Guild as Donna Parker has stepped down as leader. Her duties have been spread out to the other members. Donna will continue to serve and be a member of the Guild. There are several upcoming events: Pet Blessing (10/4/25), Community Thanksgiving (we are hosting 11/20/25), and Trunk-Or-Treat (10/26/25). Pastoral Care, Fr. David stressed he wanted to connect with all parishioners and be a part of all of our lives in good and bad times. His Advent Study will be a four-week class on the Nicene Creed on Wednesdays from 11/19 through 12/17. Our Stewardship campaign, “Called to Grow, Called to Give”, is outlined and is scheduled to begin on October 6th.
Financial Reports: Cyndi previously submitted the monthly financials which were approved without questions. A 2026 updated proposed budget was provided for review and discussion. This proposed budget will be provided to all parishioners during the Stewardship campaign.
Building and Grounds: Paul Patrick previously sent out the snow removal contract which increased by about 10%– this was approved. The parking lot patches have been completed, but we need to look into getting quotes for repaving and marking the complete parking lot. The mower is being repaired again, and we hope this will fall under the warranty. We also need to look into fixing the lights in the parking lot since there is only one working at this time. Karen mentioned the front door is in need of paint again, and should be put on a regular schedule to be painted every two years as it takes full sun most of the day. Don will get quotes.
Adult Formation Survey: Regina provided an update on the survey results. The respondents identified weekly ZOOM/Google Meets as the preferred method. It was also suggested that we could look into recording some of the sessions.
Steve’s Report: Though Sunday School is not always well attended, we have wonderful teachers who are always ready, willing, and able to teach any children. The service of our teachers will be acknowledged at an upcoming service. Our Youth Group met and watched Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Steve is still trying to work with St. Peter’s and All Saints to have their youths join our group. Next month, the group hopes to go to Johnson Farm’s corn maze.
New Business: There is discussion of the property to the church’s north and some changes at Loch Lloyd. It is not yet clear on how this will impact SMM. We have received an offer by a parishioner to pay to have our front sign painted. Paul is still working on the feasibility of a new sign verses updating our current sign.
2025 Vestry Action Plan – Status Updates, Next Steps:
Church Growth: Steve is going to contact Fr. Jonathan at St. Peter’s and All Saints concerning our youth group. Paul is still working on getting exact zoning specs for signage. Fr. David is in the final phase writing up Pathway to Membership.
Spiritual Development: Regina has provided survey results. Gabriel is continuing leading Wednesday’s Bible study, and Fr. David is looking forward to doing the Advent study.
Stewardship: Fr. David is working on the letter which will be sent out about October 6th. Cyndi will also be sending out quarterly giving statements.
Next Meeting: Our next vestry meeting will be in person, after service on November 9th.
The meeting was adjourned with a prayer by Fr. David at 8:30pm
