Present: Vestry Members: Linda Duckett, Jane Kearney, Mike Kolbinger, Missy Manderfeld, Jan Mickelson, Rev. Paul Rider, Nikki Van Stelten. Guest: Vicki Apel

The meeting was opened with a prayer from the “A Disciple’s Prayer Book” and a reading by Nikki Van Stelten from “Meditations for Vestry Members“ written by Colleen McMahon.

The minutes from the February 14, 2006 Vestry meeting were reviewed. Nikki moved to approve the minutes as written. Mike Kolbinger seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Financial Report

The financial report was reviewed and discussion followed about the budget versus actual. Missy Manderfeld moved to approve the financial report. Linda Duckett seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Committee Reports

Finance Committee: Paul Rider reported that Will Partridge has agreed to serve as Chair of the Finance Committee, and will help put policies into place for the structure of the committee and the rotation of its members.

Personnel Committee: The committee will be meeting soon to develop a job description for the
Choir Director position. Paul has asked a choir member–Malia Magnus–to sit on this committee.

Visitor Presentation

Vicki Apel addressed the Vestry about the same sex marriage issue that is coming before the Minnesota Legislature. After much discussion Linda Duckett moved to approve the following statement. “As a congregation and as a Vestry we are committed to thoughtful and intentional care and tending of issues of social justice. We the Vestry of St. Johns recommend that together, we move the issue of same sex marriage to the foreground of our community, to consider individually and collectively through active dialogue and prayer our responsibility and response to this issue”. Mike Kolbinger seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Vestry Responsibilities and Norms
Paul Rider explained that Vestry Norms are the accepted patterns of behavior used as the Vestry works together and operates as a team. Some of these norms were listed and included respect for others’ opinions and regular attendance.

Junior Warden Report: Mike Kolbinger reported that he has started and run the kitchen dishwasher and it worked for him.

Senior Warden Report: No report

Rector Report: Paul Rider explained the duty of the Vestry members to attend the Lenten Programs. He also presented information on the Great River Energy Bicycle Festival to be held in Mankato on Saturday, June 17.

The Work of the Church

A Safe Church Policy needs to limit the access to the church building. A Safe Church Officer has not been chosen. All key holders will need to attend a safe church training and background checks will be done.

Members discussed possible Vestry Retreat dates and it was the consensus of the members to investigate the House of Prayer. Paul will check out dates that are available and costs.

The Montessori School inquiry into the use of our building has been dropped due to the limited size of the education rooms.

Jan Mickelson and Missy Manderfeld distributed new Vestry Constituency lists.

Calendar Items

Food For Friends will be Saturday, March 25. Help and food is needed.

There will be a Palm Sunday Pilgrimage on April 9th with the reception to follow at Grace Lutheran.

Paul Rider will be on vacation the week after Easter.

Confirmation will be held on Saturday, May 20 in Faribault at the Cathedral of our Merciful Savior. St. John’s will have several confirmands.

The North Mankato Parade will be Saturday, June 10th.

Adjournment

The meeting was closed with a prayer.

Minutes submitted by Missy Manderfeld.