Vestry Meeting Highlights – Nov. & Dec. 2020
Vestry Meeting November 16th (Zoom), December 21st (Zoom)
Diocesan Convention: The Diocese voted to hire Bishop Matthew Gunter from the Diocese of Fon du Lac as the Provisional Bishop of the Diocese of Eau Claire.
Financials: As part of the prior commitment made by the Vestry to identify “found monies”, $1,246 has been sent to Merrill Lynch to be added to the endowment. Adding found monies will repatriate the endowment fund by contributing to the principal. The Vestry voted unanimously to send the Gumulauskas family $1200 per month to cover child care expenses for the next six months. This money was withdrawn from the Stubbs Seminarian endowment fund. It has been determined that earnings from this endowment fund must be spent every year to honor the wishes of the donor.
Vestry Transitions: Discussion about the upcoming Vestry transitions.
Annual Meeting: We will hold the annual meeting on Sunday, January 31st, in person, socially distanced, in the Great Hall and broadcast via Zoom.
Stewardship: A letter regarding stewardship was written by the Wardens, approved by Fr. Benjamin and sent to the parish. In December we have received a total of 28 pledges for 2021 compared to a total of 74 pledges for 2020. The result is a significant income shortfall for the 2020 budget.
Membership/Formation: The Vestry is looking for local contacts for website re-design.
Reopening in person worship: Given the current state of the pandemic the Vestry decided to continue to hold services on Zoom. We will open for in-person worship on January 10th and will broadcast this service on Zoom and Facebook live.
Develop a timeline for Dean search: The Vestry continues to work on the Parish Profile along with developing priorities for a new Dean’s weekly schedule. The Vestry agreed to continue the current agreement with Fr. Benjamin Thomas for as long as he is available or until we hire a new Dean.
Book Study: Fr. Benjamin is leading the Vestry in a book study of the book “People not Property”. The book covers theology of buildings, questions and possible solutions about using buildings to support the community. Chapter two discussion centered on the Cathedral becoming part of the public square – Holy space vs. human space. How do our church buildings serve both human and Holy activities. Chapter three discussion “The Museum Life”. Some congregations have pursued yesterday for so long that they are no longer able to switch directions…seize the moment! Fr. Benjamin is meeting with the City of Eau Claire, Catholic Charities and Lutheran Social Services to see how we can best minister to the homeless population in this community.
