November 17, 2024 Vestry Minutes

St. Alban's Episcopal Church

Vestry Meeting

Minutes

November 17, 2024

Call Meeting to Order:  Shirley

Opening Prayer: Doug

Vestry Members Present:  Frank, Carolyn, Doug, Sam, Rita & Shirley

Others Present: The Rev. Jim Stewart, Sarah

Absent:  None

Approve Current Agenda (Amendments/Changes, etc.) Rita made a motion to approve the current agenda with additions. Carolyn seconded and the motion carried

Approve Minutes: Frank made a motion to approve the minutes from the October 13, 2024 meeting.  Carolyn seconded and the motion carried.

Treasurer's Report- Sarah Healy

The Endowment is going to be giving the church 5% which will be $7,000 for 2024.  The plan now is to give the same amount in 2025.  We reviewed the 2025 budget.  Doug made a motion to accept the 2025 Budget.  Frank seconded and the motion carried.

Doug made a motion to except the financials.  Sam seconded and the motion carried.

Old Business:

1.    Trunk or Treat:  It went great!  We all agreed we can’t wait to do it again next year. 

2.   Church Website: Sam presented the church website to the Vestry.  She will be sending them each a link so they can look closer and see if there is anything they think should be added or changed.

3.   3 Month Evaluation: The Vestry went over the 3-month evaluation with Jim.  They also went over how he thinks the vestry is performing.  We all agree that St. Albans is going in the right direction.  We will revisit this again in April and then in July someone from the diocesan office will come to assist in the 1-year evaluation.

4.   Bids From Electricians:  Sam got a bid from Jadeco and one from Big Horn Basin Electric to have the receptacles in the church and narthex change.  The lights spot light in front and behind the altar replaced with Led and the fan in the north side of the church receive a new rheostat.  After reviewing both bids Frank made a motion that we have Jadeco replace the spot lights for a total of $485.00 and Big Horn Basin Electric replace the receptacle’s and put in the new rheostat for the fan for a total of $1,460.58.  Rita seconded and the motion carried.

5.   Grant:  We received the grant from the foundation to put a tv in the Parish Hall.  2 tv’s in the church along with 2 cameras that will allow us to stream our services.

New Business:

1.   Book of Common Prayer:  Doug made a motion that we order 10 new Book of Common Prayers to replace any that are falling apart.  Carolyn seconded and the motion carried.

2.  Music: We have licenses through the dioceses that enables us to use any music out of the blue hymnal. 

3.    Road Sign In Front of Church:  The Vestry discussed the fact that the sign is facing out and most people do not see it until they turn in.  Sam will get a bid from Sutherlands to have the signed turned and information put on both sides with the addition of Labyrinth. 

4.   Wyoming Gas Bill:  Rita made the motion that we pay Wyoming Gas $400.00 a month.  Doug seconded and the motion carried.

5.   Stewardship: We will put a copy in the newsletter.  Sam will also mail everyone their own copy with the slip to fill out and return.

6.    Feeding the Hungry:  The new theme for the diocese is “Feeding the Hungry”.  Each church will receive $5,000 to be used for feeding those in need in our area.  Carolyn made a motion that $2500 be given to the Ministerial Association for Christmas Baskets.  $2500 then be given to the Backpack Blessing program for the school kids.  Doug seconded and the motion carried.

7.   Annual Meeting:  The Annual Meeting will be January 12, 2025 following church.

8.   Decorating the Church:  We will decorate the church for Christmas following church on November 24th.  There will be lunch after.

Reports:

1.   Rector’s Report-The Rev. Jim Stewart: Jim reported that the All-Saints Day service went well.  The dinner for the food bank volunteers was well attended.  He will be having an Advent study group in December on Thursdays at 5:00pm.  He attended a leadership class that was held in Casper.  Standing Committee is going well and keeping him very busy.

2.    Sr. Warden's Report-Shirley Wildman:  Shirley reported that she is also keeping busy with Standing Committee.  She will be attending a national ECW meeting in Alabama January 17-22.  She presented the stewardship letter to the vestry.

3.     Jr. Warden's Report-Samantha Strickler:  Sam shared the plan for the nativity program to be held on Christmas Eve.  She also let everyone know that she will be purchasing a conference speaking for zoom meeting allowing everyone to hear better. 

4.     Born Again-Shirley Wildman:  Shirley reported that Born Again will be having a Black Friday sale on November 26th & 27th.  Everything will be 99 cents.

5.     ECW Report- Shirley Wildman:  The Christmas Party will be December 10th at 5:30pm.  The ladies will provide soup and everyone is asked to bring an appetizer.  There will be a white elephant gift exchange.

6.   Congregational Care Team:  They will meet December 17th at 10:00am. 

7.   Vestry Reports:  Carolyn let us know that The Wyoming Food Bank Truck will be here on December 4th.

Next Vestry Meeting: December 15,  2024 at 10:30am. 

Closing Prayer: Doug                        Prayer at Next Meeting: Carolyn

Adjournment: Shirley