Present: Linda Duckett, Bill Gray, Jane Kearney, Mike Kolbinger, Missy Manderfeld, Paul Rider, Gerry Schneck, Ann Taylor Sundstrom, Nikki Van Stelten, Jerry Wegman

Paul Rider opened the meeting with a reading from the Meditations for Vestry Members, Ephesians 6.11-17 about the “Whole Armor of God” and prayers from “A Disciples Prayer Book”.

A motion was made by Missy Manderfeld to approve the minutes from the June 7, 2006 Vestry meeting. Motion seconded by Linda Duckett. Motion carried.

Financial Report: Bill Gray reviewed the financial report and explained the capitol account balance and the investment account which is now with the Pooled Investment of the Diocese of Minnesota. Bill explained the line items of the balance sheet. He also asked who was writing thank you notes to contributors.

It was discussed if Lowell should be doing the payroll taxes and forms for Rev. Rider’s checks or if it should continue to be done by PayChex. This will be brought to the Finance Committee on August 10th.

Missy Manderfeld moved to approve the Finance Report. Gerry Schneck seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Committee Reports: Missy Manderfeld moved to accept the Personnel Committee recommendation to increase the hourly rate for the Bookkeeper. Ann Taylor Sundstrom seconded the motion. Motion carried

Paul Rider reported the Committee marketed and advertised for the Choir Director position and interviewed and auditioned two candidates and the committee unanimously voted to offer the job to Erin McDaniel. A contract will be worked up and a background check completed if Erin accepts the offer. Gerry Schneck moved to approve the recommendation of the Personnel Committee to offer Erin the position. Jane Kearney seconded. Motion approved.

The newly formed Finance Committee will meet on Thursday August 10th for their first meeting.

Check-in:

Junior Warden, Mike Kolbinger reported the completion of Evan Kearney’s Eagle project.

Senior Warden, Jerry Wegman announced the Tail Gate party to be held on Wednesday August 9, with a 5:30 pm service and meal to follow.

Rector, Paul Rider passed around the Parochial Report that the Vestry has already approved and asked for signatures of the Treasurer and Vestry Clerk.

Work of the Church:

Linda Duckett reported on her work on Emergency Preparedness and ways to include our congregation and how to collaborate with other parishes. Some marketing ideas were discussed. She will work up a presentation for the Parish Forum to be held on Rally Sunday, September 10, 2006.

Paul Rider reviewed the Parish Census questions and asked for changes. He explained the importance of confidentiality and purpose of the census to update the Church files. Vestry members are asked to contact their constituents about completing the forms, which can be mailed in or turned in on Rally Sunday.

An online calendar and web based announcement format was discussed.

Paul will check on the Safe Church training and dates for the Vestry retreat.

Calendar Items:

Tail Gate Party – August 9
Finance Committee Meeting – August 10
Rally Sunday – September 10, 2006
Paul Rider will be on Vacation August 20 – September 5
Pridefest – September 16 & 17

Gerry Schneck reported on ONE, the campaign to make poverty history – The ONE Campaign is a movement of Americans of all beliefs to unite as ONE to help change the world and how we can become effective advocates to cause the ending of extreme poverty. More information can be found on the www.episcopalchurch.org
The Millennium Goals and What You Can Do About Them brochure from the Episcopal Relief and Development was shared.