Vestry minutes - August 2020

Minutes of August 17, 2020 Vestry Meeting

Present: Charlie de Kay, Cynthia Doucet, Kristin Jacobsen, Penelope Boardman, Susan Cherco, Connie Conley, Bob Purse, Steve Steiber, Dave Turner, Melissa Warden, Jennie Woodring

Absent: Monique Austin, Allison Zidek The meeting was held via WebEx.

Prelude

Charlie opened the meeting by leading the group in a reflection.

APPROVED – Vestry approved the July Vestry minutes.

Mission

Vestry discussed Healthy Congregations by Peter L. Steinke Chapter 3: Promoting Healthy Congregations

Updates:

Vacation Bible Camp – Kristin

Sixteen children signed up for VBC; Julie sent a survey to families, but hasn’t yet received replies. Twenty members of St. Matthew’s community (old and young) participated.

Anti-racism efforts – Kristin

Julie will post information in the email newsletter. Kristin and Andrew have been attending seminars and workshops, and are encouraging others to do the same. Kristin is curating a list of resources.

Fall Gala – Cynthia

The gala (Cynthia and Susan Turner, co-chairs) will be held online/remotely in November, with a theme of celebrating cultures in Evanston. The team is brainstorming ways to add interactivity to the event.

Plan for Reopening the Church - Charlie

The return-to-church team continues to meet. Congregation survey results (10% response rate) indicate the majority is not ready to come to church for in-person at this time. A small group would come back at the first opportunity. The team has reflected on how to meet differing needs, and plans to try a Sunday morning RSVP-only in-person outdoor church.

St. Mark’s vestry has approved a covenant based upon the baptismal covenant adapted to COVID-19 behavior and accommodations with regard to reopening church. The reopening team recommends adopting it to be used in the bulletin, on signs, and sent home to congregation.

APPROVED – vestry approved the adoption of the covenant with minor revisions.

Bishop’s checklist for reopening – Charlie reviewed the checklist with the vestry, which he will submit to the bishop’s office tomorrow with the covenant attached.

Livestream equipment should be received by the end of the week - Kristin

Charlie closed the meeting with a prayer.

The meeting ended at 9:12.

Submitted by Jennie Woodring