Attendees: Jerry Wegman, Mike Kolbinger, Ann Taylor-Sundstrom, Gerry Schneck, Jan Mickelson, Nickie VanStelten, Bill Gray, Fr. Rider

The meeting opened with prayer and a meditation reading by Ann Taylor-Sundstrom.

The December minutes were approved (moved by Ann Taylor-Sundstrom) with the following correction/addition: The Vestry unanimously approved a housing allowance for Fr. Rider for 2007 of $26,000.

Committee Reports:
Finance Committee:
Treasurer, Bill Gray reviewed the financial reports that were sent out to Vestry members. The old “Restricted Account” balance has been transferred into the Investment Account (85%) and the Capitol Account (15%). St. John’s also received a $2500 check from the Geneva and Erling Johnson estate which was also deposited into the Investment Account. Nickie VanStelten moved that the financial report be accepted with the following correction: the new computer expenses should be moved from the Office Supplies expense to the Capital Account as the purchase of an asset and the amount in the bills due to ACS Technologies of $807 should also be a Capital expense. Motion carried.

The Diocese sent us a projected investment result for 2007 of approximately $8600 investment income and based on their formula, they would recommend a $1900 withdrawal for the year. The Vestry can file a form and request a larger withdrawal, but the action was tabled until after the new Budget is approved at the Annual Meeting. The proposed budget for 2007 was reviewed and amended and approved (Gerry Schneck moved) by the Vestry.

Nominating Committee:
The final recommendations for the new Vestry Wardens and members are as follows:
Sr. Warden: Jerry Wegman
Jr. Warden: Mike Kolbinger
Members: Mike Davis and Jerry Stump
Gerry Schneck moved for acceptance. Motion carried. The nominations will be presented to the congregation at the Annual Meeting.

Junior Warden Report: Dishwasher issue…tabled until next month.

Senior Warden Report: Working on getting tax exempt status for the lot next door.

Rector Report: Fr. Rider talked about not letting financial anxiety prevent us from carrying on the real work of the church…going out into the community in discipleship.

The Annual Meeting will be held during the Offertory of the service (9:30 am) on January 21st. Guests and children will be able to view a video during the meeting. The service will be followed by a brunch hosted by the Vestry. We will provide egg bakes, juice, rolls, coffee and tea.

Calendar Items:
MLK Jr. Event will be held at the Kato Entertainment Center on 15 January, 6pm. Fr. Rider has tickets.
Fr. Rider will be gone to NYC for Trinity Institute January 22-26 for continuing education.
The Diocesan Youth Acolyte Festival will be held at St. Mark’s Cathedral in Minneapolis January 26-27.
The Region IV Meeting will be in Marshall February 3, 10am-2pm.

Minutes submitted by Nickie VanStelten