MINUTES---BISHOP’S COMMITTEE

August 17, 2009

Present: Sandy Hodges, Frana Keith, Thomas Summers, Tom Peterson, Betsy Stephenson, David Greene, Marie McShane.

Absent: Don Gray, Fielding Reiner

Also present: Liz Manning, John Stephenson, Joe McShane, and Vicar Tommy Bye.

1.      The meeting was called to order at 6 PM with a prayer and a devotional based on The Gospel of Mark, Chapter 12, verse 11.   

2.      Minutes: The minutes of the July 2009 meeting were approved with a correction of the meeting date (corrected to be dated the meeting of July 17).  Motion by Marie McShane, seconded by David Greene, unanimous vote.

3.     Treasurer’s Report:  Betsy Stephenson presented the financial statements.

4.   Facilities Group Report: Frana Keith, Liz Manning, Sandy Hodges and John Stephenson presented an overview of the presentation they plan to make at the Congregational Meeting to be held on August 30. This included an updated drawing of the plan to be presented at that meeting showing the proposed expansion of Swope Hall and the columbarium located along the Stations of the Cross.

5. Technology Report:  Sandy Hodges suggested that the church website be hosted by the webmaster, George  Cofran. George had proposed hosting the website and handling the domain registration for an annual cost of $119.50, in lieu of renewing for these services to be provided by the incumbent host and domain registrar Internet Solutions. George’s fee was identical to the fees proposed by Internet Solutions. It was decided to utilize George’s offer.

 6. Swine Flu Preparations:  It was agreed that several members of the church will respond to the request made by Blanco County to be trained as part of the County’s plan for responding to a potential swine flu threat. The County is to host a meeting on September 2 on this subject and St. Luke’s will be represented at that meeting.

7. Church Directory Update: Sandy Hodges reported that the updated directory is in process. Many photos of church members have already been taken.

8. Senior Warden’s Report: Liz Manning reported that some had raised the idea of the church purchasing a defibrillator.  Liz will gather information on this topic and report back at a later date. 

9. Vicar’s Report: Tommy Bye presented the Vicar’s report. He informed the committee that a new confirmation classes had been scheduled to begin on the first Sunday in September. The class is to meet between the two church services.

10.   New Business:  It was voted that Rita Reiner, Betsy Stephenson and Thomas Sumners be the check  signatories on the Johnson City bank accounts. Betsy Stephenson advised that the Audit Committee (Betsy Stephenson, Rita Reiner and Thomas Sumners) had met to conduct the annual audit. When finished, they had provided a copy of their audit work to the Diocese. It was also decided that the interest earnings on the Green account (close to $1,200) would be used to help fund children going to Camp Capers.

11.   Junior Warden’s Report:  Dave Greene reported that the newly constructed storage shed had been completed. 

Next Meeting: The next meeting of the Bishop’s Committee was scheduled for September 21, 6 PM in the Parish Hall.