Vestry
Committee
Meeting

(From December 2000 Nativity newsletter)

† Vestry members spent more time at their November meeting discussing bricks for the Memory Garden than a million dollar annual budget.

† Reporting for the Memory Garden committee, Dick Wernick reported that there would be two differently priced bricks available for sale, $100 bricks and $1,000 bricks. Revenue from the sale of these bricks would go toward an endowment that would provide continuing upkeep for the garden.

The committee will make a recommendation as to how inscriptions on the bricks should be handled.

Dick and Bob Mostertz, who also serves on the Memory Garden Committee, mentioned there was a need for a gasoline golf cart that could be used in the garden. They also said there would be a seven-seat octagonal gazebo of yellow pine installed by December 1.

† As far as improvements around the rest of the property, Dick said at least one of the palms in front of the church would be removed, but that the cross on the building would stay. He also reported that there would be signs erected pointing to the handicapped parking area.

After Anna Haeffner reported on ants in the front yard, Dick said he would take care of them.

† Turning to the budget, vestry members asked a few questions and while they did not officially approve it, they sanctioned an almost 15 percent increase, going from $220,896 in 2000 to $253,800 in 2001.

Bob Mostertz suggested that the vestry get an early start on the 2002 budget and Father Jim said that the finance commission will work on it. Russ Housel, the church's Assistant Treasurer, requested a change in some of the categories listed.

† Joanne Marino said the children of the church would be singing at the 6 p.m. service on Christmas Eve. She said that the youngsters had been practicing already and they will be playing bells too.

† Anna Haeffner again questioned whether or not there would be child care for the Christmas services as Chairperson of the Child Care Committee. Joanne said she would check with Rachel Brown to see if she would be available.

† Anna also questioned the possibility of the hiring of Jan Brown as the Parish Administrator. She suggested that the position be opened up so that anyone could apply.

The vestry provisionally approved the hiring although some members did not vote. There will be a six-months trial period, running from January 1 through June 30 should the Bishop concur.

† Bruce Simington submitted his resignation as chairman of the building committee and turned around and offered a proposal that his new construction company be considered as the builders. Father Jim said that he, Dick Wernick and Bob Mostertz would serve as interim chairmen until a new chairman is named.

† Jo Davidsmeyer passed out forms for a church wide inventory. She will buy the necessary software and labels so volunteers can complete the inventory as soon as possible.

† Fr. Jim plans on being in Israel Jan. 8-19 and Father Gerry Bennett will fill in.

† Coming events that were listed in the agenda included:

	Breakfast with Santa on December 2
	Lessons and Carols on December 17.
	There will be only one morning service, at 9:30 on Sunday, December 24, but two services that evening, one at 6 p.m. and the other at 10 o'clock.
	Another 9:30 a.m. service is planned for Monday, December 25.
	Epiphany services on January 6 will celebrate the ordination anniversaries for both Father Ken Davis and Father Jim.