Grace Episcopal Church
Martinez, California
Meeting by Video Conference
Minutes of Vestry Meeting
March 8, 2022
Present: The Reverend Dr. Deborah White (Rector), Amelia Brooks (Sr. Warden), Liz Charlton, Chandra Damele, Amy Eudy, Ann Fisher, Dru Grissom, Sally Hanson, Jane Ramsey
Absent: Shannon Kleinschmit
Guests: The Rev. Walter Ramsey, the Rev. Columba Salamony, Jennifer Sabroe, Sarah Williams, Parish Administrator
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 6:36 p.m. and led in prayer by Rev. Deb.
Bible Study. The group read and discussed Mark 6:7-13
7:00 pm: Consent Agenda. It was M/S/C (Amelia Brooks/Amy Eudy) to approve the consent agenda items: Minutes of the February Vestry meeting, Rector’s report; Treasurer’s Report
OLD BUSINESS
Ministries
Outreach (Service) Dru, Walter
Walter reported on a “welcome home” organization that assists people recently out of prison.
Worship and Liturgy Sally reported that there were a lot of people at the service last Sunday, with the Rev. Canon Debra Low-Skinner visiting. (Attendance was 52 adults and 6 children) We are in Lent now. The music chosen for the season has been lovely. Family Eucharist services on Family Sundays work well, and are well attended. Services are planned for the coming season, and all is going well. Rev. Deb reported that there will be a baptism at the Easter Vigil and are hoping to have three people confirmed at Grace Cathedral in June.
Welcoming Ann reported that Christina Reich is planning a meeting to make plans for finalizing the welcome packets.
Education Chandra reported that the Rev. Steve Sturgeon is conducting a Lenten study on Sundays through Lent. Other Faithful Forum plans include having the Martinez CERT group give a talk, and Chandra welcomes other ideas.
Parish Life Amy, Ann:
Amy reported that she has had the following ideas:
Pancake breakfast for Laetare Sunday, a.k.a. Rose Sunday, which is March 27 this year. Stan and Marj have volunteered to assist with shopping (Marj) and cooking (Stan).
Trivia Night! Amy proposes Friday, May 13, for the first of four in 2022.
Movie Night if possible, inviting our new neighbors from the new development.
John Vander Kamp is proposing to help organize a first-ever Grace Baking and Barbecue Competition.
Pastoral Care Liz, Jane.
Liz reported that she made some calls to members who are homebound or sick at the moment. She would like us to make the bulletin more accessible for visitors and people who have trouble reading the small print.
It was M/S/C (Liz Charlton/Amy Eudy) to authorize the purchase of a low-cost tablet as a pilot project, to load the bulletin so we can let someone who needs larger print read it from the tablet.
Jane reported that she plans to take the Eucharistic Visitor training since this visiting is a good pastoral care opportunity.
Stewardship Jane reports that she is in the discernment phase of planning this year’s stewardship campaign. She is open to ideas. Rev. Deb indicated she has a book to give her.
Building and Grounds
Liz reported that she visited the water department today to report that we believe we are being overcharged for water, and sent her documentation.
The back steps are still pending. They have not yet passed inspection
Vestry Retreat will be March 26, 9-2:30, at Rev. Deb’s house (where there is outdoor space we can use).
Security at Grace – Update: the parish survey included a question about whether respondents were concerned about security at Grace, and very few were concerned. We will begin having two greeters, and making sure at least one of them stays at the door throughout the service.
We also need to write an updated emergency plan. Amy and Ann offered to organize a committee to produce one. Rev. Deb will write about this for Grace Notes.
NEW BUSINESS
Requested meeting on March 22, regarding the Upper Lot, with the City Manager. The Upper Lot Committee chair (Amy) can’t attend, so Janet Kennedy will represent the committee, and Amelia will attend as Senior Warden.
The return of the VPOD: Vestry Person of the Day
Responsibilities include introducing yourself during the announcement time in the service, and locking up the buildings and setting the alarm after everyone is out. Amy volunteered for this coming Sunday, March 13.
DISMISSAL Rev. Columba dismissed the meeting at 8:33 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sarah Williams
Parish Administrator