Trinity Episcopal Church
Minutes of the Vestry Meeting
Monday, November 18, 2013
Present: Rob Baldwin (Rector), Susan Terry (Assistant Rector), Lindy Eakin (Senior Warden), Steven King (Junior
Warden), John Bullock, Proctor Crow, Dave Griffin, Andrew Hoyt, Pat Kehde, Terry Mandle, Donna McCain, Patrick
Musick, Rodney Olson, Bill Benso (Treasurer), Maria Thompson (Clerk)
Absent: Brian Haupt
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. Fr. Rob led the opening prayer.
Declaration of Quorum
A count was taken and a quorum declared.
Bible Study: Matthew 25:31-40 was read and discussed.
Approval of the Minutes of the October 2013 Meeting
Patrick made a motion to approve the Minutes of the October Vestry meeting. Terry seconded. The motion passed by
unanimous vote.
Rector’s Report
 The Diocesan Congregational Development Committee will host communication workshops at Grace Church
Cathedral on Saturday, December 7th. The speakers will be Dr. Anna L. Sackett, Melody Alexander and Valerie
McCord.
 We have been in discussion with Douglas County Bank regarding securing a loan to pay for the organ. We may be
able to get a loan without encumbering the church property, and if so, won’t have to get approval from the diocese.
 As of November 17th we have $291,000 in pledges for 2014.
o Pledges among those who pledged last year have risen by $36,000.
o Of past pledgers who haven’t pledged yet, if they all give the same amount as last year, we can anticipate a
budget of about $398,500.
Assistant Rector’s Report
The Children’s Ministry Intergenerational Event Committee has planned activities for Advent:
1) On December 8th materials will be made available to make Advent wreaths after the services.
2) On December 11th there will be a short service at 5:30, dinner at 6:00, and then we will decorate an Advent tree.
Senior Warden’s Report
2014 Budget Priorities
Lindy discussed our budget priorities and presented the results of the exercise that was done at the Vestry budget retreat on
Saturday, December 16th.
 The items that received the most support for remaining at their same levels were clergy compensation, children’s
ministry, and repair/maintenance.
 The one getting the most support for a likely increase was children’s ministry.
 All items got the same number of votes (1 each) for possible decrease.
 The item that got the vast majority of votes for a definite decrease was musician salaries. This was more in
reference to paid singers and instrumentalists, rather than our staff music directors and organist.
Using these results as a guide, the Finance Committee will draft a budget to be presented to the Vestry.
2013 Budget
As of the end of October, we had received about 80% of the funds that had been pledged for 2013.
Junior Warden’s Report
 Steve presented the drawings for the remodeling of the area for the new organ, and gave a quick tour of the site.
 In the coming year we need to make plans for repairing the sidewalks around the church.
Vestry Minutes, 11/18/13
p. 2
Organ Costs
Lindy presented a preliminary financial summary for the organ project, and will have more to report at a later meeting.
Trinity Interfaith Food Pantry (TIFP) Fundraising
The TIFP Fundraising Committee requested permission to hold a game night on December 7 th to raise money for the pantry.
Patrick made a motion to allow TIFP to hold a game night fund raiser. Steve seconded. The motion passed by unanimous
vote.
Reimbursement to Dedicated Funds
There was discussion regarding funds that were paid from dedicated accounts in order to cover operating costs. There was
agreement that those funds should be replaced once we know exactly how much money is needed and figure out how to
replace it.
Organ Fund Raising
We have raised about half of what is needed. The Organ Fundraising Committee has offered to take the lightning
suppression system out of the pledge drive, which will lower the amount of the drive by $25,000 to $30,000. The committee
would also like to make a presentation to the parish to give everyone a chance to hear how the fundraising is going and ask
questions.
After some discussion, the Vestry decided to have a plaque created to recognize the people who donate to the organ fund.
The names will be listed in alphabetical order.
Pledge Campaign & Harvest Festival Dinner
Terry presented an outline of the costs of the Harvest Festival Dinner, Leadership Gathering and pledge campaign in general,
including materials used in mailings and décor for the dinner. The total came to $8,835, with catering coming in below what
had been budgeted.
Treasurer’s Report
 As of this date we are current on our obligations and our cash flow is manageable.
 In order to secure a loan for the organ, Douglas County Bank will need copies of our budgets for the last three years,
the organ specifications, minutes from the vestry meeting in which the loan is authorized, and the names of those
who will sign for the loan.
Ministry Liaison Reports
TIFP
 The Pantry would like to have more funds allocated in next year’s budget.
 October was the busiest month of 2013, probably because of anticipated food stamp decreases. Over 900 people
were served, many of whom were new to the pantry. It is possible the numbers will grow in November and
December.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Maria Thompson, Clerk