Grace Episcopal Church Martinez, California
Minutes of Vestry Meeting
February 12, 2020
Present: The Reverend Dr. Deborah White (Rector), Christina Reich (left at 7:00 p.m.) (Sr. Warden), Josh Senn (Jr. Warden), Amelia Brooks, Betty Case, Sally Hanson, David Kennedy, Jane Ramsey, Stephanie Zichichi
Absent: none
Guests: The Rev. Walter Ramsey, Jennifer Sabroe (Clerk), Jack Case
M/S/C denotes motion made, seconded and carried. The names following M/S/C in parenthesis denote the persons who made the motion and seconded.
Call to Order and Opening Prayer. The meeting was called to order at 6:02 p.m. and led in prayer by Rev. Deb.
Bible Study. Doubting Thomas – Dealing with Doubt
Consent Agenda. It was M/S/C (Towey/Case) to approve the consent agenda items: Minutes of January 8, 2020, Vestry meeting; Rector’s Report; Senior Warden’s Report; Junior Warden’s Report; Treasurer’s Report
Las Trampas parking (rental) update. Rev. Deb reported that the Las Trampas vehicles should be arriving in a week or so to park in the upper lot.
Yvonne car update. Rev. Deb provided an update on the status of the car removal. Because of the condition of the car, the tow company will charge us to remove the car. Rev. Deb will pursue other options.
Review of Annual Meeting. There was brief check-in on feedback from the annual meeting. Vestry members indicated it was a good meeting. No complaints.
Ministry Updates.
Parish Life. Tina Reich reported that another Trivia Night and potluck dinner is scheduled for February 22.
Outreach. Rev. Deb reported on her meeting with Vice Mayor Noralea Gipner and Martinez PD Rodney Brisner, Homeless Outreach Resource Officer, who briefed her on the last meeting of the Contra Costa Interfaith Homeless Coalition, including an update on overnight parking at Trinity Center in Walnut Creek, which has been underutilized. Martinez will not be pursuing overnight parking. The current topic is raising money to install Porta-potties at various locations around the city. The coalition is looking for pledges from churches. Rev. Deb told them that would not be a commitment Grace could do, but she has reached out to St. Christopher’s to see if they would be interested. Rev. Deb indicated she will donate from the Rector’s Discretionary Fund from a special offering. Vice Mayor Gipner and Officer Brisner will be presenting at the April 26 Faithful Forum.
Upper lot discernment process review. Rev Deb distributed a Upper Lot Discernment Fact Sheet and reminded of the reason we are doing this. She reported that we are starting to get suggestions. Rev Deb reported that she has joined the Leadership team of the Episcopal Impact Fund alumni board. This will provide access to resources for funding when we’re ready to do something with the upper lot.
Rev. Deb reported that on March 4 she and Sr. Warden Tina Reich will be going to All Souls in Berkeley to look at their current building project As we get toward of discernment process we bring in outside consultants.
Welcome to new Vestry members and wardens. Rev. Deb presented customized t-shirts to the Sr. and Jr. Warden, and distributed Vestry Handbooks to new members; Sally Hanson, David Kennedy, Amelia Brooks, and Jane Ramsey.
Review of Vestry duties. Rev. Deb reviewed duties of Vestry members, including:
- Subscribe to Episcopal Church Foundation “Vestry papers” – a good resource
- VPOD (Vestry Person of the Day) Sunday lock-up and brief presentation at both services
- Meetings
- One-day Retreat will be scheduled (to discuss upper lot)
- Liaison assignment
Liaison Assignments for 2020-2021
Outreach – Jane Ramsey
Welcoming – Christina Reich
Worship and Liturgy – Sally Hanson Education – Amelia Brooks
Pastoral Care – Connie Towey
Parish Life – Stephanie Zichichi and David Kennedy
Stewardship (how we take care of things God has given us) – Josh Senn, buildings and grounds
Stewardship Campaign – _________________
Fundraising – __________________
“Other Duties as Assigned” – Betty Case
Rev. Deb vacation days. It was M/S/C (Senn/Brooks) to approve Rev. Deb’s vacation days: February 18-21, 2020 and April 14-19, 2020
150th Anniversary Committee. In response to a question from Sally Hanson, Rev. Deb indicated that there is no funding in the budget for the anniversary celebration plans. Stephanie Zichichi indicated she will ask St. Christopher’s. There was discussion of what is in the works for the 150th. Rev. Deb suggested getting proclamations from the national church (Bishop Curry) as well as DioCal (Bishop Marc) and the mayor.
Bartending Certification. Josh Senn will be taking the certification training for bartending. Rev. Deb will send him the information.
Dishwasher. Stephanie reported on discussions St. Christopher’s has had concerning the dishwasher. Rev. Deb asked her to keep the Jr. Warden in the loop, as he needs to be kept aware of anything related to buildings and grounds. She reminded everyone that all expenses need her prior approval.
Dishes. Stephanie reported that St. Christopher’s purchased new dishes (and coffee cups) and the old dishes (and cups/saucers) were donated to Mountain View family shelter. Rev. Deb reminded that this kind of thing needs to come to the Vestry first for discussion and decision.
Work Parties. Rev. Deb and Josh will be scheduling monthly work party days.
Dismissal. Rev. Walter led the dismissal and the meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer Sabroe, Clerk