Vestry Meeting Minutes
November 9, 2025
Attendees: Steve Hirtzel, Fr. David Wilcox, Cyndi Troyer, Paul Patrick, Penny Krupp, Kim Gerhardt, Regina Berens, Susan Petrakos, Karen Hauswal, Jane Brucker, and Gabriel Sparks
The meeting was called to order at 12:10 pm by Steve Hirtzel and opened with a prayer.
Previous Meeting Minutes: The minutes of the September meeting were approved as submitted.
Summary of Annual Convention: Fr. David, Gabriel Sparks, Brock Slabach, Steve Hirtzel, and Karen Hauswal attended the annual convention (as did Cyndi with DOK) at Grace & Holy Trinity Cathedral on November 7th and 8th . Fr. David was elected to the Central Deanery and appointed Deputy. There were some contentious votes; however, through discussion and prayer, resolution was achieved.
Priest Report: Fr. David reported he has met with several parishioners, hosted the Pet Blessing, participated in the Single Mom’s Walk, conducts services at Carnegie Village about once a month, hosted Trunk-or-Treat, and took some time off. He attended the meeting in Branson as well as the Annual Convention. Fr. David felt we are on track with our Stewardship Campaign. He will be officiating over Betty Kopke’s funeral on December 4th at 10 AM.
Financial Report: Cyndi reported that we are at about 40% of our Stewardship goal. Parishioners are keeping up with their pledges, and we should not have a cash flow deficit at the end of the year.
Building and Grounds: Paul submitted bids for replacing the lights in the parking lot. After review and discussion, the bid from Sunshine Lighting for $5,470 was approved, and we would like the work to be done as soon as possible. The signage we have, Paul suggested should be brought up-to-date rather than investing in new at this time. The zoning is too vague. Paul and Don will be cutting back some of the tree limbs to allow better visibility. Further changes will be discussed once the tree trimming is complete. If anyone has suggestions for signs and layouts, they should submit their proposal to Paul.
Steve’s Report: Steve reported that Karen Hauswal will assume the task of scheduling the teachers beginning in January. We will have a Christmas Pageant during our service on December 21st in place of the sermon. Our Youth Group will be assisting with our Crafts with Santa event on December 6th. Denise Koch has the Crafts with Santa all planned, and Ian has agreed to be Santa. Both Steve and Fr. David have been unsuccessful getting any response from Fr. Johathan at St. Peter & All Saints regarding a joint Youth Group.
New Business: It was agreed that we would renew the lease agreement for KC for Refugees for 2026. Cyndi requested an updated Certificate of Insurance.
As the terms of the Vestry members have been a bit confusing, Fr. David suggested that the current members (9) be broken into three (3) groups: 2026, 2027, and 2028. He proposed a resolution so the change in vestry members would be staggered every year. The resolution was approved and adopted by the Vestry. Following are the groups:
2026 – Regina Berens, Susan Petrakos, and Jane Brucker
2027 – Penny Krupp, Karen Hauswal, and Kim Gerhardt
2028 – Steve Hirtzel, Paul Patrick, and Cyndi Troyer
The Belton Education Foundation provides and opportunity to be on the web site and publicized at certain events. The Vestry agreed to the Bronze Sponsorship level for $1,000.
2025 Vestry Action Plan:
Church Growth: We continue to work on the Children’s Ministry, Paul has been diligent about the signage, and Fr. David will have the final draft of Pathway to Membership completed this week.
Spiritual Development: Fr. David has received positive feedback on the Instructed Eucharist, and he will be hosting Coffee & Questions after service on November 23rd.
Stewardship: The campaign is ongoing.
Next Meeting: Fr. David and Zach have invited the Vestry for a brief meeting on December 14th at their home. It will begin at 3PM. Directions to follow.
The meeting was adjourned with a prayer lead by Fr. David.
