Vestry Minutes: March 2026

Attendees: Fr David Wilcox, Steve Hirtzel, Paul Patrick, Cyndi Troyer, Kim Gerhardt, Linda Wallace, Chris Butler, Gabriel Sparks

Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 12:07 PM by Fr David.

Bible Study: The Vestry began with prayer and a Bible study of Acts 1:12-26, The Choosing of Matthias.

February Minutes: The February minutes were approved with no edits.

Rector’s Report:

Fr. David reported that he continues to check in/visit with parishioners and newcomers.
Lent Book Study is going well with an average of 16 participants total, and 7 in person.
The Vestry and all licensed lay ministers have been invited to the Chrism Mass on March 31 at 11:00 AM. Registration is on the diocese’s website.
Fr David asked about changes to Holy Week, particularly what the Vestry would like on Wednesday. The Vestry affirmed their trust in his judgement.
Fr. David reported that he had been approached about a runner for the center aisle to make the nave more accessible to those with mobility problems, and asked for a vestry member who would be willing to look into it. Kim agreed to research options.
Fr David will be on retreat April 20-25, but will not miss a Sunday.
Fr David will be on vacation June 8-14, and will arrange a priest for that Sunday (the 14th).
Fr. David spoke to the representative from Church insurance about the recoverable depreciation value of our claim on the mower, and has provided the rep with additional information needed.
Fr. David informed the vestry that Heart-n-Hand has invited us to sponsor a table at their annual fundraising gala. It was agreed that we would do this, thanks to a generous donor.
We will be conducting a food drive for Hearts and Hands in either July or August.

Senior Warden’s Report:

Youth Group will meet later the same day to work on necessity bags, followed by a lesson and a scavenger hunt.
We will meet at 10:00 AM for candy bag packing on Saturday 14th for the St Patrick’s parade on the 15th. The parade meeting is Thursday.
The banner has been delivered and was left in the education room.

Finance Report:

Our balances are higher than expected due to some pledges being paid upfront.
On the suggestion of the treasurer the Vestry agreed to credit the money from the insurance claim resulting from the break-in at the House of Grace to the budget line for building and maintenance.
After a discussion it was agreed that event expenses for the parade and similar events will be charged to the Evangelism fund.
There was a productive discussion about setting up an endowment in the future and investing it with the DFMS (The Episcopal Church itself). This is what the diocese does and the return is much higher than our current CDs. No action will be taken until both CDs have matured in January 2027.

Building and Grounds Report: Nothing significant to update since February.

Old Business:

The Vestry reorganized the parish ministries and volunteered for liaisons (pending absentees’ assents)
- Liturgy & Worship – Cyndi
  - Scope: Acolytes, Chalice Bearers, Lay Readers, Lay Preachers, Ushers, Music Team, Altar Guild, Bulletins
- Pastoral Care – Kim
  - Scope: Eucharistic Visitors, Intercessory Prayer
- Christian Formation – Gabriel
  - Scope: Sunday School, Youth Group, Lectio Divina, Weekday Studies, Daughters of the King
- Fellowship & Parish Life – Karen and Penny
  - Scope: Coffee Hour, Welcoming Committee, Events/Weddings, God & Guinness, Women’s Book Club
- Outreach & Community Engagement – Steve and Linda
  - Scope: Community Garden, Necessity Bags, Drives
- Communication & Digital Presence – Chris and Gabriel
  - Scope: The Call, Website, Livestreaming, Social Media, Weekly Update Emails
- Property & Grounds – Paul
  - Scope: Buildings & Grounds, Mowing, Landscaping
The Vestry revisited a proposal regarding painting the front door of the church. Members expressed openness to considering the project and agreed that it would be helpful to review cost estimates before making a decision. The Vestry asked that the proposer obtain two to three quotes for the work and bring them back for consideration at a future meeting.

New Business:

Gabriel Sparks moved that the Vestry authorize payment of up to $100 to an artist to refresh the parish logo by cleaning up the line work and providing high-resolution raster (.png) and vector (.svg) files for future marketing and communications use. The motion carried.
Because of the regulatory issues with lighting next to the road and alternative solutions from the B&G Committee, the Vestry voted not to pursue a solar light for “the episcopal church welcomes you” sign at this time.
Newcomer Gatherings are expected to be quarterly. The Vestry agreed to do the next one on April 12 after the service. This will delay the start of the Vestry Meeting, which is on the same day.

Adjournment: The Meeting was adjourned at 1:49 PM.