VESTRY MEETING MINUTES
AUGUST 5, 2025
Attendees: Fr. David Wilcox, Steve Hirtzel, Cyndi Troyer, Paul Patrick, Regina Berens, Kim Gerhardt, Susan Petrakos, Jane Brucker
The meeting was called to order by Steve Hirtzel at 7:00 PM and opened with a prayer.
Previous Meeting’s Minutes: The meeting minutes of the June 29, 2025 were approved as submitted.
Priest’s Report: Fr. David submitted a complete report covering Worship, Pastoral Care, Christian Formation, Outreach & Mission, Stewardship & Finance, and a look forward. The Vestry recognizes the hours and amount of work Fr. David does for SMM exceeds their expectations, and we are VERY grateful.
Financial Report: Our audit went well. Ron Weil did comment that Cyndi is doing a wonderful job; however, we should have a backup for Cyndi should she be unavailable. Tasha Moorhead has agreed to work with Cyndi and act as her backup.
We need to begin our Stewardship Campaign with a projected budget for 2026. This will allow the congregation to see the vision of SMM with the costs associated. This will be reviewed at the September Vestry meeting.
We will be sending a Resolution of Thanksgiving to the Diocesan Council for the $300,000 grant to SMM to reduce the principal balance on the mortgage. Our new, lower payment amount begins in August.
Building & Grounds: Paul reported that the mowing team has been keeping up with the landscape and have had a few glitches with the mower. Fr. David did mention that there are some issues with spiders and bugs by the alter. We will ask the exterminator to pay special attention to those areas.
Warden’s Report: Steve provided an outline including events he has reviewed with Denise Koch—9/20 Newcomers BBQ, 12/6 Meeting Santa (information being handed out at 10/26 Trunk or Treat). Sunday School is moving along, but attendance is hit or miss. There have been some new participants, and we hope they will be more regular. The next Youth Group activity is Movie Night.
New Business: The Resolution of Thanksgiving will be signed and sent out. Linda Johnson would like to organize a fellowship time at her complex (in Town Center).
2025 Vestry Action Plan – Status Updates and Next Steps
Church Growth: Paul Patrick provided comprehensive detail outlining the parameters for the signage in the front of SMM. Some of regulations appear to be contradictory. Paul will reach out to MODOT for specifics and will report back next Vestry meeting.
Spiritual Development: Regina Berens developed and sent out a questionnaire through Survey Monkey. The survey is open through 8/25/25; however, preliminary results were provided from 17 respondents.
Stewardship: Sarah Hirtzel and Allan Harris were asked to service on the Stewardship Committee. Sarah accepted, but Allan declined. The first meeting is scheduled for August 19th. Cyndi and Fr. David met on July 24th and discussed drafting a budget for 2026. This was sent to the Vestry with the monthly financials. Once this budget is finessed, it will be presented to help show a realistic picture of actual costs so an accurate budget can be presented during the Stewardship campaign.
Next Vestry Meeting: September 23rd via Google Meet – Link will be sent out.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 with a closing prayer by Fr. David
