Vestry Minutes
November 14, 2006

Present: Bill Gray, Mike Kolbinger, Missy Manderfeld, Jan Mickelson, Paul Rider, Gerry Schneck, Ann Taylor Sundstrom, Nikki Van Stelten, Jerry Wegman

Mike Kolbinger opened the meeting with a reading from the Meditations for Vestry Members, followed by prayers from “A Disciples Prayer Book”.

A motion was made by Missy Manderfeld to approve the corrected minutes from the October 24, 2006 Vestry meeting. Motion seconded by Gerry Schneck. Motion carried.

Committee Reports:

Finance Committee:
Treasurer, Bill Gray reviewed the financial reports that were sent out to Vestry members. He explained the balance sheet and reviewed the budget versus actual line items.

Bill explained the need for a name for our account at the Pooled Investment Fund. It was discussed and “St. John the Evangelist, Mankato” will be the name. Mike Kolbinger moved to approve the Treasurer’s report, Anne Taylor Sundstrom seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Bill explain his visit to the Voyager Bank where the Restricted Fund account is held. He suggested that Gerry Schneck and himself be the signatures on that account, which has a balance of $16,935.26 as of today’s date.

Nominating Committee:
Paul Rider reviewed a list of parishioners to be called for Vestry service. Jerry Wegman was given the list of people to contact. It is important that these parishioners be pledging, active members in good standing.

Missy Manderfeld reported on the “This is the Day” Stewardship Campaign that will span for 4 weeks. On December 3, we will celebrate Victory Sunday with a potluck meal after the 10:30 service.

Paul Rider and Bill Gray reported on the Diocesan Convention. Paul Rider explained that a new budget was passed. He also explained the millennium development goals. Next year will be the 150th celebration of the Convention and Garrison Kiellor will be the presenter.

Check-in: Members announced the things they were thankful for.

Junior Warden, Mike Kolbinger reported on the work that is needed on 2 circulating pumps in the boiler room. He estimated the cost to be between $1,700 and $2,000. Don Nelson from Mankato Controls will do the work. Mike also reported on the lights he has replaced.

Senior Warden, Jerry Wegman had no report

Rector Paul Rider asked members to contact their constituents about returning the census forms. He will put an announcement in the chronicle as a reminder.

Work of the Church:

Paul Rider stated that a new Dell computer system for the office has been ordered from Greg Lee. Mr. Lee will install the system and network all of the church’s computers.

Rev. Rider explained the Bishop’s Commission on Mission Strategy (BCMS) will look at the history of the Episcopal Church and trends to promote growth. The Teams want to involve the entire Diocese and will meet with church leaders in every parish looking for input, what is working, what is not working. Paul explained the importance of these visits and this teamwork, he requests all Vestry members to attend. No date has been set.

Bill also reported the Finance Committee met on November 6th and worked up a preliminary budget for the Vestry to review. He reviewed the report and explained the compensation, benefits and insurance guidelines. Bill explained the Diocesan Apportionment percentages and the 7/10 of 1 % for the Millennium Development Goals.

Calendar Items:

The Ecumenical Thanksgiving service will be at Bethlehem Lutheran at 7 pm on November 22. Cookies are needed for the reception afterwards.

The Thanksgiving service will be at 9:00 am on Thursday, November 23rd.

St. John’s members will help with the Thanksgiving Meal at the First Presbyterian Church that day. There are sign up sheets for workers and parishioners are asked to bring desserts for the meal.

Paul Rider announced the Theology and a Pint gathering scheduled for December 5th at the Wine Café beginning at 8 p.m.

Advent Lessons and Carols will be held on December 6th at 7:00 p.m.

The 4th Sunday of Advent falls on December 24, a 9:30 a.m. worship service will be held.

The Annual meeting will be January 21, 2007.

Minutes submitted by Missy Manderfeld.