STEWARDSHIP/FINANCE REPORT

January 2012 Vestry

The Commission on Stewardship & Fanance met January 9 and completed the Annual Budget for St. David’s Episcopal Church for 2012.

The Proposed Budget is submitted to the January meeting of the Vestry for approval.

For budgetary purposes, the anticipated income from pledges and other giving for 2012 is estimated to be $144,420.

The Budget of anticipated expenses totals $153,318.

The difference of $8,898 is to come from funds transfer from undesignated reserves as required.

A detailed budget will be submitted at the Vestry meeting.

Charles M. Hill, Chair for Stewardship & Finance
_____________________________

Worship and Music Commission Report – Yvonne

• Rotation of choir directors has begun. I am new at this so mostly just sat and listened unless they made me sing as hymns for Epiphany were chosen. Whitney has a handy little book that she lists the hymns scheduled for services. We can see the history of our hymns throughout the year.
• Ed Fleming is preparing the list of servers and readers for the upcoming year. It should be completed by this Sunday for the Annual Meeting.
• I sincerely appreciate all that Sandy Richardson does to make sure our worship books and materials are ready each Sunday.
• Not sure if this is Ralph’s commission or this one but what is the status of the Altar rails?

Submitted by Yvonne Oliger – January 2012
________________________________

Parish Life Commission Report
for 1-18-12 vestry meeting

1. We had refreshments and carols after the Christmas Eve service. Hopefully all went well as I was not there.
2. I have worked a little on the signage part of the unfinished building projects. I got some information from Gene Niednagel from the magnetic church conference and talked to him about the project from the standpoint of evangelism. I also took some pictures of our current signage and the two buildings and e-mailed them to Bloomington Designs (who may have done the sign out by the road). I did not get a response from this so will need to get on the phone. This is turning out to be a little more complex than it seems at first! Since I am finally recovered from the holidays I will be putting more effort into this.
3. Upcoming:
a. The traditional pitch-in at the annual parish meeting on Sunday, January 22, 2012.
b. Pancakes on Shrove Tuesday, February 21, 2012.
c. Tentatively planning a Lenten Lunch program starting on February 26, 2012.
Somewhat respectfully submitted,

Jane S. Herr
Parish Life coordinator
___________________

Thinking about mental illness, a special Christian Formation Report – January 2012
Saint David’s Episcopal Church, Bean Blossom, Indiana

These last few months I’ve been talking with a few people at Saint David’s and thinking and reading about mental illness, and I have some thoughts to share with you and with the 2012 Vestry. I think we all understand that mental illness isn’t an area of mission where we can jump off the end of the dock and trust that we’ll learn how to swim when we hit the water. We need to know more from the get-go.

➢ How we talk about it…
Much of the language that people use about mental illness comes from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, a publication of the American Psychiatric Association. The book is constantly being updated and revised and is meant to provide language and criteria for diagnosing mental illnesses and for communicating with other medical professionals. DSM – as it’s universally called – is an important tool in guiding treatment. Nevertheless, its language falls harshly on the ear. Here’s a sample:
…depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorders, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, schizophrenia, paranoid personality disorder, schizoid personality disorder, schizotypal personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, histrionic personality disorder, avoidant personality disorder ,dependent personality disorder, obsessive-compulsive personality disorder…
Just reading this list can make people feel overwhelmed. Using this kind of language about members of our parish has brought us to tears at Vestry meetings. People we love are described on that list. Perhaps we ourselves are described there, too. I’ve come to believe that it’s a blessing for us to be able to start with compassionate tears. I offer you these words from Jane Beers: “It is wiser to do ministry out of our weakness, not out of what we think are our strengths.”

At the same time, we need to respect the utter hugeness of mental illness as an area for mission. How could the people of Saint David’s become more able to think about / discern / discover the ability to act, in this mission field? My hope is that the 2012 Vestry will consider inviting a steering committee to give some continuity to this process and to fit it into the life of the parish.

➢ First we need to deal with what God dropped in our lap.
To respect the suffering of members of this congregation, Sandy Ridenour and I think that the people of Saint David’s need an opportunity to talk about bipolar disorder. Sandy has arranged for a speaker from the Bloomington chapter of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill to speak about her family’s experiences with bipolar disorder after church on Sunday, January 15. It is Sandy’s sense, Jane’s, and mine that there’s a conversation that needs to begin. This event is intended as a first step, not a resolution, of the situation.

Here are some further resources that could help the people of Saint David’s reflect together and become more familiar with the lived realities of mental illness:
1. Radical Welcome: Embracing God, the Other, and the Spirit of Transformation – this material from Church Publishing is geared for Episcopal churches and includes a book, instructor guides, study guides, and other materials about the program.
2. Defining terms. I think it would be helpful to have a basic, down-to-earth session outlining and clarifying the different conditions and experiences that people mean by “mental illness” – an impossibly large category – and what kinds of things help people who have these conditions and experiences.

➢ Some possible next steps
If the steering committee decides that they want to take another step, here are more areas to explore.
4. Beyond Accessibility: Towards Full Inclusion of People With Disabilities in Faith Communities (Brett Webb-Mitchell) gives both a theology and a praxis for becoming more welcoming – this is a thoughtful, beautifully-written book.
5. The pathways2promise.org website has material on becoming a compassionate congregation and on articulating a spirituality for compassionate companionship. The pathways2promise compassionate congregations model runs: education / commitment / welcoming individual people / spiritual support and practical service / advocacy. There is some powerful material on understanding our limits as helpers and letting go of the expectation that we are going to “fix” people.
6. As a way of building our confidence and understanding, Jane Beers strongly recommends the Mental Health First Aid program [mentalhealthfirstaid.org].

➢ A big step – carrying out a needs assessment project about community mental health
If our discernment journey with this area of ministry truly leads us to think about, not just Saint David’s, but Brown County as a whole, we’re talking about community mental health. This is an umbrella term used to cover a wide range of issues, services, and opportunities like clinics, hotlines, 12-step groups, and all kinds of support groups. “Community” emphasizes that we are reflecting about people who are part of our community, not isolated sufferers needing to be rescued.
In Brown County, what do people struggle with, and what might help them? Sandy’s notes from the Ohio conference emphasize the importance of beginning with needs assessment. What’s already here? What needs are unmet? Conducting a needs assessment of Brown County would be a big job. (Maybe somebody’s already done it?) There are people at Saint David’s and in the Diocese who could help us get our feet on the ground here with respect to needs assessment; Saint David’s would need to look for partnerships with other churches and organizations.

That’s really as far as I can imagine. What’s needed? How could we respond? That discernment rests in the future and depends on whatever we do next in the here and now.

Thanks for reading – Pamela Smith

STEWARDSHIP & FINANCE REPORT TO VESTRY

December 21, 2011

The Commission on Stewardship & Finance met December 12 and worked on the budget.

Pledges and other anticipated giving for the general operating fund total: $140,050

The budget, as worked up so far, will total: $154,371

The shortfall will be: $14,321

Unless further pledges come in, we anticipate either trimming the proposed budget for 2012 or utilizing undesignated funds, or doing a bit of each.

The budget will be completed in January, in time for submission to the Annual Meeting

New, longer rope has been installed on the church bell. There should no longer be a need for an extension to be tied on to the end of the rope.

Confirmed snow plowing for this winter again with Cody and Sons Excavating. Any snowfall of 2 inches or greater will be plowed. As usual I will clear the sidewalks and salt as required.

Annual service was performed on all three heating units by Air One, the original installers of the geo thermal unit. Found that the inducer in the parish hall furnace was starting to go bad along with a pressure switch so I had both of them replaced. All is good to go now for the winter.

The altar top has some stains and needs to have the surface finish worked on. I will do this after the beginning of the year.

Please let me know of other work that needs to be done.

Peace,

Ralph

Parish Life Commission Report
for 12-21-11 vestry meeting

1. The big event was the cookies and wassail reception after the truly wonderful performance by Celtica at the December 18th Bean Blossom Music Series presentation of a “Celtic Christmas”. Lots of wonderful help with this event – great cookies and a marvelous clean-up crew. I did import my sister from Minneapolis as slave labor but we both managed to enjoy the music and she even bought a couple CD’s.
2. We did regular refreshments for the Advent 4 greening of the church and more people had time to actually help put up decorations. Again lots of good help at this event that was organized by Phyllis Sindlinger.
3. I also put out a newsletter for Advent. Again I can’t say enough about the wonderful contributions. Marge Grimm wrote a great story about her memories of her dad and Jane Savage told us a little about a wonderful native plant that is the latest addition to the St. David’s landscape.
4. Upcoming:
a. The traditional pitch-in at the annual parish meeting on Sunday, January 22, 2012.
b. Pancakes on Shrove Tuesday, February 21, 2012.
c. Tentatively planning a Lenten Lunch program starting on February 26, 2012.
Somewhat respectfully submitted,

Jane S. Herr
Parish Life coordinator

Christian Formation Report, December 2011
Saint David’s Episcopal Church, Bean Blossom, Indiana
1. Baptism and confirmation – Nothing going on that I am aware of.
2. Book and study groups, books a la carte, adult formation – Nothing going on that I’m aware of. I have closed down the Book Cart – I am out of ideas. I’ve invited Margie Hill to think about how & if the church library might use it.
3. Special events – Sandy Ridenour and I continue to reflect on the material she brought back from her Open Doors conference and other programs and materials that have come our way. I’ve also talked with a few other people in the parish who had opinions to share. Next month I’m going to give you a written report on all this.
Sandy has been in conversation with the Bloomington chapter of NAMI about getting a NAMI speaker to offer an after-church forum about bipolar disorder – possibly in mid-January. I don’t have a date on this yet.
4. Children’s formation – Jane has said she doesn’t want to continue with Children’s Church; redesigning our program for children will have to be handed on to the next Vestry.
5. Kitchen Table Conversations, Open Studio, &c. – Nothing on the table.
6. Church Library – See #2.
7. Green Team – They seem to be doing fine, but I haven’t talked with Dave this month.
8. Possibilities – Trinity Institute might not happen this year because of Occupy Wall Street – the scheduled dates are a month away and there is not one blessed thing on the Trinity Wall Street web site about plans.
9. Challenges – Same as last month.
Thanks for letting me do all this great stuff,
Pamela Grenfell Smith, Vestry liaison for Christian Formation

Those present: Mike Day, Jane Herr, Charles Hill, Ralph Linscott, Yvonne Oliger, Whitney Rice, Joe Ridenour, Phyllis Sindlinger, Pamela Smith and Carol Walker. Sandy Ridenour, Treas., Carol Ruffin, Clerk.

Opening Prayer and Bible Reflections: Phyllis opened the meeting with prayer and Whitney used the lectionary Bible readings for November 13 for our reflection.

Approval of October 19, 2011 minutes: Mike moved to accept the October 19 minutes with revisions. Joe seconded. Motion approved.

Treasurer’s Report: Sandy noted that our expenses for October were greater than our income. Jane moved to accept the treasurer’s report. Carol Walker seconded it. Motion approved.

Nominating Committee’s Report: This will be given at the December meeting.

Continuing Business:
1. Clarifications concerning Tammera Lane’s contract: This will be discussed at the December meeting.
2. Sandy Ridenour’s conference report: Sandy gave the Vestry a written report about the conference “Widening the Welcome” which she attended in Columbus, Ohio. A CD is being shared with Vestry members.

New Business:
1. Discussion of Parish Goals as developed by the search committee: This was started and will be completed at a later date.
2. Discussion of church projects which are waiting for completion: A list of projects was sent by email to the Vestry by Jane and Pamela. The Vestry was asked to prioritize this list by the December meeting. Additional items may be added to the list.
3. Setting a date for the Annual Meeting: After discussion, the Vestry selected January 22, 2012.

Rector’s Report:
1. Whitney would like the Vestry to select a date for a retreat at the next meeting.
2. Fred Chrysler will be the priest on November 20 and Virginia Hall will cover pastoral care emergencies.
3. Whitney selected an area for St. David’s to assist with during the national Episcopal Convention in 2012. We are responsible for organizing and managing exhibition, demonstration, and sales of Indiana crafts.

Senior Warden’s Report: The new bulletin boards are in place.

Commission Reports
1. Outreach – Mike shared a report on 2010 and current outreach disbursements. Mike would like to have more people participating in the decisions of the disbursement process. Mike has contacted Donna Niednagel about the Christmas giving program.
2. Parish Life –
3. Stewardship – See Charlie’s report
4. Communication –
5. Buildings & Grounds – See Ralph’s report
6. Music & Worship – The committee is working on the Advent season. A budget for worship music is needed. Choir direction will be shared by a group of leaders. Whitney wondered how Sunday worship was handled during bad weather. Jane and Whitney will try to establish a phone tree.
7. Evangelism
8. Pastoral Care – Marge Grimm is helping Joe.
9. Christian Formation – See Pamela’s report

Announcements:
Next meeting is December 21 at 7:00 pm.
Meeting adjourned with prayer led by Whitney.

Respectfully submitted,
Carol Ruffin, Clerk

Beloved friends,

Two years ago next month, the Building Committee made its final report to the Vestry and concluded its business. At that time several building-related projects were delegated to specific task groups in the parish, the idea being that these groups would have a better idea of their needs and could get themselves settled in to their new space without the Building Committee’s involvement. Also – two years ago – it was unclear what capital funds would become available to realize the projects.

Some of these projects have been realized. The kitchen is a roaring success. The library books are beautifully organized and catalogued. The music closet is a delight. The gardens are breathtaking. The sacristy is amazing.
Other projects have stalled or never been started. On the back of this page, we’ve listed the ones of which we are aware – you may know of others. We have to admit that we are a little disheartened by the visions that Saint David’s hasn’t been able to make real.

Why have these projects stalled? Well – as individuals and as a group, we do have other things to do with our energy. Also – and maybe more significantly – as an organization, we don’t have much experience addressing these kinds of questions and we don’t have much experience spending money on Saint David’s, as opposed to giving money away.

What would help Saint David’s realize these projects? At some point the Vestry tried to hand some of them off to the Furnishings Committee, but possibly that wasn’t realistic in terms of the amount and diversity of work involved. The number of loose ends is daunting. We think it’s important to notice that the projects that have been accomplished were managed by small groups with the needed knowledge and skills and working to complete one project, as opposed to an uber-group assigned to smooth out the Rocky Mountains and fill in the Grand Canyon.

We’d like to suggest that the Vestry consider this approach:
1. Make a complete list of unrealized projects.
2. Organize and prioritize the list.
What easy projects could be taken care of quickly?
What projects are high-priority?
What projects aren’t important for Saint David’s at this time?
3. Identify who has the knowledge and skills to accomplish these.
4. Invite and convene groups of these people to get started.
This may mean hiring someone someone outside the parish
to do some of them. Not everything is a DIY project.
5. Establish ways for these groups to liaise with and be resourced by the Vestry.

We honestly don’t think we are writing to you out of a Martha-Stewart-like desire to have Saint David’s be more spiffy. From the get-go, the people of Saint David’s have articulated the building project to ourselves as constructing a platform for mission. It’s because of that mission imperative that we write to request that the Vestry consider finding ways to realize these projects.

Jane Herr and Pamela Smith

Unrealized projects –

Build the new kneelers and lectern/pulpit

Locate, prepare and install the History Wall, with photos and documents giving a visual statement of identity and warmth in the Gathering Place

Arrange for building and installing bookcases and a desk on the west wall of the reading room/library, find comfortable chairs, and create a delightful, warm place for study groups, small meetings, or retreats

Pull-out storage carts in the cabinetry under the coffee bar, so there is effective storage for Children’s Church, ushers, knitters, and whoever else uses the space

Sound mitigation banners to add color and warmth to the Gathering Place

Signage at the entrance doors with service times

Interior shelving for worship gear in the south storage closet in the nave

Fact-finding about possible organ improvements

Meditation path through the woods / wetland development

Stone wall columbarium

Outdoor cross (replacing our original outdoor cross)

Further items added at Vestry meeting

Parking lot lights

Signage for Ackerman Hall

Sound system improvements

Resolve piano dilemma

Those present: Mike Day, Jane Herr, Charles Hill, Whitney Rice, Phyllis Sindlinger, Pamela Smith and Carol Walker. Carol Ruffin, Clerk. Absent: Ralph Linscott, Joe and Sandy Ridenour and Yvonne Oliger

Bible Reflections: Whitney used the lectionary Bible readings for October 23 for our reflection.

Approval of September 21, 2011 minutes: Charles moved to accept the September 21 minutes as distributed. Mike seconded. Motion approved.

Treasurer’s Report: Charles moved to accept the treasurer’s report subject to audit. Carol Walker seconded it. Motion approved.

Continuing Business:
1. Bulletin Boards recommendation: Jane and Phyllis recommended buying two bulletin boards from Staples at a total cost of $100. One will be placed in the Gathering Place and the other in the hallway between the kitchen and men’s restroom.
2. Clarifications concerning Tammera Lane’s contract: This will be discussed at the November meeting

New Business:
1. Bloomington Chamber Singer’s program ad request: Carol Walker moved to place this ad which would cover six events at a cost of $250. Mike seconded the motion. Motion carried.
2. Birthday / Anniversary Mission Gift Program: Whitney explained this program as one in which church members celebrating a birthday or anniversary during a month would choose a mission or charity that they would like to support. We will talk about this again.
3. Meeting time for Vestry: After discussion the members decided to meet November 9th at 4:00pm.
4. Nominating Committee: Mike, Pamela and Charlie will meet with Whitney at 3:30 November 9th to discuss new vestry members for 2011.
5.
Rector’s Report:
1. Whitney asked Mike to speak about an idea for a new mission project. Mike hopes that St. David’s could help people in the community who suffer from post traumatic stress disorder or need psychological first aid. Details need to be worked out. The Vestry was asked to pray and talk about this.
2. Whitney shared reports from the Census Bureau about the demographics of Brown County. We can refer to these in our search for a mission for St. David’s.
Senior Warden’s Report: Phyllis passed around the note card design of St. David’s created by Ann Woods. Ann is providing us with 100. See Phyllis’ report.

Commission Reports
1. Christian Formation – Pamela reported that more people are contributing books to the book cart. She would like to expand the children’s collection. Pamela attended a mental illness fundraising event in Bloomington and she shared booklets from the Bloomington chapter of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. Sandy Ridenour also attended a conference on mental illness in Ohio. Fourteen people bought the children’s book about St. Francis.
2. Outreach- Mike reported that outreach had given $1000 to Habitat for Humanity and Mother’s Cupboard and $900 was given to a program in Brazil. There was a discussion about continuing our tithing giving after the Capital Campaign is completed.
3. Parish Life – Great picnic!
4. Stewardship – See Charlie’s report
5. Communication – See Phyllis’ report
6. Buildings & Grounds – Whitney would like the tower bell fixed before All Saints Sunday.
7. Music & Worship
8. Evangelism
9. Pastoral Care

Announcements:
Next meeting is November 9 at 7:00 pm.
Charles made a motion for adjournment. Mike seconded the motion.

Meeting adjourned with prayer led by Whitney.

Respectfully submitted,
Carol Ruffin, Clerk

Stewardship Brochure has been completed and distributed.

Pledges (gift forms) to be dedicated on Nov. 27.

Committee will meet on Nov. 14 to begin work on the 2012 budget.

Charles M. Hill, Ch.

1. Baptism and confirmation – Nothing going on that I am aware of.

2. Book and study groups, books a la carte, adult formation – Apart from the book cart, nothing going on that I’m aware of. Even though no one came to talk over the Brueggeman article, several people said they liked it, so I’m thinking I’ll buy one of the Brueggeman CD/study group series.

3. Special events – Sandy Ridenour and I are talking over the material she brought back from her Open Doors conference. We expect to generate some program suggestions and will get back with you about how they could fit into the coming program year.

4. Children’s formation – Jane, Phyllis and Joan continue to offer teaching on many Sundays. I have talked with Erin and she’s ok with this – she doesn’t feel that Ian necessarily needs Children’s Church every Sunday.

5. Kitchen Table Conversations, Open Studio, &c. – Nothing on the table right now.

6. Church Library – Cheryl Fleming says that demands on her from work and school mean that she can’t take a leadership role in the church library right now. Before the end of the year, I hope to have a talk with Margie about making the library more visible.

7. Green Team – Nothing new.

8. Possibilities – Nothing new on Trinity Institute. I have talked with Jim Huber just a bit about the technical requirements and so far he’s not convinced we can do it. I’m thinking we might partner with another church with better broadband? Trinity hasn’t released a topic or a list of speakers yet, and that information is a significant part of figuring all this out.

9. Challenges – I’m not making anything happen, am I? I feel like we are still in a significant transition that uses much of my energy and attention – and perhaps that of others as well. Honestly, I’ve lost track of how to do the easy stuff. I have been working with the Christian Formation enterprise for almost three years and for most of those three years I’ve also been on the Building Committee or the Search Committee – perhaps I’ve never really focused on finding and sustaining the team I needed for Christian Formation. The Nominating Committee meetings have reminded me how much easier it can be to get something done when there are a couple of other friends involved.

Thanks for letting me do all this great stuff, at least, the parts I actually do –

Pamela Grenfell Smith, Vestry liaison for Christian Formation

Those present: Jane Herr, Charles Hill, Ralph Linscott, Joe Ridenour, Phyllis Sindlinger, and Mike Day. Sandy Ridenour, Treas. and Carol Ruffin, Clerk. Absent: Carol Walker, Yvonne Oliger and Pamela Smith
Guest: Joan Amati, Suzanne Gaudin and Verne Sindlinger

Phyllis opened the meeting with prayer.

Suzanne Gaudin gave the Vestry information that led the County Election Board to select St. David’s Episcopal Church as a poling place. Suzanne is one of three members on the County Election Board. Two parking places close to the Gathering Place doors are required for handicap parking. There is $10,000 available to bring the site in compliance. The county will cover insurance for the days the building is in use. The county is looking for a 10 year commitment from St. David’s.

After discussion the Vestry went outside to look for a suitable area for the required handicap parking places. Suzanne and Daryl Kramer, ADA consultant, will evaluate the two possible locations discussed. The Vestry will be notified when they plan to come.

Charles moved that the Vestry accept becoming a poling place subject to agreement to the parking pad. Mike seconded the motion. Motion was passed.

Charles ended the meeting with prayer.

Respectfully submitted,
Carol Ruffin, Clerk

Those present: Mike Day, Jane Herr, Charles Hill, Yvonne Oliger, Whitney Rice, Joe Ridenour, Phyllis Sindlinger, Pamela Smith and Carol Walker. Sandy Ridenour, Treasurer, Carol Ruffin, Clerk. Absent: Ralph Linscott

Bible Reflections: Whitney used the lectionary Bible readings for September 25 for our reflection.

Approval of August 17 and September 7, 2011 minutes: Charles moved to accept the August 17 minutes as printed. Mike seconded. Motion approved. Joe moved to accept the September 7 minutes with Pamela giving a second. Minutes approved.

Treasurer’s Report: Sandy passed out the treasurer’s report. Sandy reported that St. David’s is doing well and she is grateful for our fiscal plenty. Carol Walker moved to accept the August treasurer’s report. Yvonne seconded it. Motion approved.

Continuing Business:
1. Baby Grand Piano: A committee of Whitney Rice, Joe Ridenour, Ray Laffin and Tammera Lane will give the Vestry three options about the future of the piano. They have received their first assessment.

New Business:
1. Ad for Brown County Community Band: Pamela moved that we buy an ad for the Brown County Community Band booklet. Motion approved.
2. Update Worship Booklet: Pamela asked the Vestry to look over the last page of the worship booklet and let her know of any changes.
3. Length of announcements: The Vestry discussed the length of after worship announcements. It was decided that Phyllis would ask the congregation to shorten their announcements to one or two minutes. Phyllis will remind the congregation to send their announcements to Sandy Richardson. The Vestry supports the use of more paper and regular print size in order to cover the additional printed announcements.
4. Radical Welcome Defined: Pamela passed out information on this ministry and asked the Vestry to read and think about the formation of a study group.

Rector’s Report:
1. Whitney gave the Vestry a report from the Personnel Committee meeting.
2. Whitney asked the Vestry if they wanted a supply priest for November 20 or would they prefer doing Morning Prayer. The Vestry asked that she try to find a supply priest.

Senior Warden’s Report: Ann Woods will create a new design for our note cards.
The Vestry decided to not include an ad in the BCHS winter sports program booklet.

Commission Reports
1. Pastoral Care and Jr. Warden
2. Christian Formation – See Pamela’s report
3. Outreach
4. Parish Life – See Jane’s report
5. Stewardship – See Charlie’s report
6. Communication –
7. Buildings & Grounds – See Ralph’s report. We are waiting for approval of St. David’s as a polling place from the Brown County Election Board. After this approval the Vestry will investigate the possibility of having a cement pad with the condition St. David’s would pay the additional costs.
8. Music & Worship
9. Evangelism

Announcements:
Next meeting is October ?

Meeting adjourned with prayer led by Joe Ridenour.

Respectfully submitted,
Carol Ruffin, Clerk

Charles Hill, Ch.

Have missed a couple reports (none since June) so am playing catch up a little:

1. We had the Celebration of New Ministry for Whitney on July 13, 2011 at 7 pm. Two months later I am still amazed by how wonderful this event was. This was a true welcome for Whitney and I felt the hand of God guided the whole parish to work together to put on this event. Starting out with Whitney’s mom who fed the choir and other parish workers a great lasagna dinner to the last mop up by Mark Rainey it was a perfect night. The planning, the setup, the service, the music, the food, all made this a night we won’t ever forget.
2. On August 21 we celebrated Carol Walker’s birthday with after service refreshments.
3. I also got the fall newsletter out in August.
4. On September 12 a memorial service was held at 2 pm for Ella Jacks, Karen Richard’s mother. The service was moving with Karen speaking of her mom and readings from the great grandchildren. The parish pitched in to provide an after service reception.
5. Myself and all my best friends provided some of the best homemade cookies ever on September 18 along with punch, tea and coffee after the Bean Blossom Music Series performance of Adler and Hearne. The refreshments accompanied a great theme basket silent auction sponsored by the CCC to work toward retiring our debt. One of our goals of the music series is to reach out to the community and help them become familiar with St. D. As one woman was leaving she told me she definitely would be back for a service! (I think it was the cookies).
6. Upcoming:
a. Betty Begonia sale: Sept. 24 coordinated by the Huber’s and the CCC. St. D participates in this wonderful sale every year with our part of the profits going to pay off our loan.
b. Parish picnic: Sept. 25 at Strahl Lake shelter.
c. Georgetown school reunion: October 13. This event is being held as a direct result of our rededication ceremony of the building held last year on November 14. Marge Grimm is working with the reunion group to help them get this off the ground.

Somewhat respectfully submitted,

Jane S. Herr
Parish Life coordinator

Litany for Justice

Pour down, O heavens, from above,

and let the skies rain down justice;

let the earth open, that deliverance may spring up,

let the earth cause justice to sprout up also.

For those who endure fearful and dreadful memories,

let the skies rain down justice.

For those who bear unbearable loss,

let the earth open, that deliverance may spring up.

For those whose hearts and bodies are wounded by conflict, terror, and war,

let the skies rain down justice.

For those who struggle to rebuild after destruction,

let the earth open, that deliverance may spring up.

For ruined cities,

let the skies rain down justice.

For peaceful fields scarred by violence,

let the earth open, that deliverance may spring up.

For those whose suffering has been forgotten by the world,

let the skies rain down justice.

For those who cannot find healing,

let the earth open, that deliverance may spring up.

Renew hope,

let the skies rain down justice.

Give new life,

let the earth open, that deliverance may spring up.

Pour down, O heavens, from above,

and let the skies rain down justice;

let the earth open, that deliverance may spring up,

let the earth cause justice to sprout up also. Amen.