Present: Linda Duckett, Bill Gray, Mike Kolbinger, Fr. Paul Rider, Gerry Schneck, Ann Taylor Sundstrom, Nickie Van Stelten, Jerry Wegman, Jan Mickelson

Fr. Paul Rider opened the meeting with a reading from the Meditations for Vestry Members, Mark 3:31-34, “God is My Brother and Sister and Mother” and prayers from “A Disciples Prayer Book.”

A motion was made by Nickie Van Stelten and seconded to accept the minutes from the August 8, 2006 meeting. Motion carried.

Financial Report: Bill Gray gave a review of the financial report and stated he discussed the budget at the Parish Forum on Rally Sunday, furnished a handout and requested that members keep current with their pledges. A motion was made by Gerry Schneck and seconded to accept the financial report as presented. Motion carried.

Finance Committee: Fr. Paul reviewed a list of items presented by Will Partridge for consideration by the Finance Committee including establishing a gift policy, preparing an annual budget, etc. Next meeting Thursday, September 21st. Members of the committee include Will Partridge, Bill Gray, Gerry Schneck, Nancy Zwickey, Jerry Wegman and Fr. Paul Rider.

Check-in: No report from the Junior or Senior Warden.

Father Paul shared his reconnecting on 9/11 and the program on Frontline, “Faith and Doubt at Ground Zero” which he felt was very profound.

The Bishop has called for every Sunday in October for the Celebration of Creation culminating on All Saints Day, the first Sunday in November. We probably will use Eucharistic Prayer C with special prayers of the people and a possible Sunday afternoon prayer walk or nature center visit.

Work of the Church:

Linda Duckett reported that Joan Hertel will be making up a notebook for those interested in working with Emergency Preparedness. T-shirts, cups, etc. will be on sale at Pridefest.

Parish Census: About one fourth of the census forms are in. Fr. Paul will put a reminder in the Bulletin and suggested we call our constituents as well.

House of Prayer is not available for a Retreat. A half-day Retreat at the church, probably in early November, was offered as a possibility.

Nominating Committee for Vestry 2007: Jerry Wegman, Mike Kolbinger, Missy Manderfeld and Jan Mickelson.

Budget Preparation: Time to start working out a budget for 2007 and having organizations and committees start pulling figures together.

Stewardship Drive Kick-off for 2007 in October.

Calendar Items:

Pridefest - September 16 and 17th. We’ll have a booth and will be giving away water plus water bottle holders, candy. No commitment for a parade has been received.

Safe Church Training scheduled for September 23rd, 10:00 am. to 3:00 p.m. May have to cancel if fewer than eight sign up.

Clergy Conference, September 25-27th.

Diocesan Convention in Duluth, October 27-28th. Betty Winkworth and Candace Black will be attending as well as Bill Gray and Fr. Paul Rider.

Regional Meeting, September 30th in Luverne.

Fall Forum in Faribault on October 14th, 10:00-12:00 at the Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour. Fr. Paul recommended the Vestry attend, if possible. Food for Friends is on the same day, October 14th.

Region V may be interested in doing something for Southern Youth Event, November 3-4.

Fr. Paul is meeting with the youth on Wednesday the 13th, at 6:30, Buffalo Wild Wings, downtown.

October 1st we’re invited to do a Joint Pet Blessing.

October 7th -- Apple Festival.

October 18-21st -- Rummage Sale

Next meeting: Tuesday, October 10th.

Meeting adjourned.