August 18, 2025 Vestry Minutes

St. Alban's Episcopal Church

Vestry Meeting

Minutes

August 18, 2025

Call Meeting to Order:  Shirley

Opening Prayer: Rita

Vestry Members Present:   Sam, Rita, Carolyn, Frank, Shirley, Doug & Diana.

Others Present: The Rev.  Jim Stewart & Sarah

Absent:  

Approve Current Agenda (Amendments/Changes, etc.) Rita made a motion to approve the current agenda with additions. Doug seconded and the motion carried

Approve Minutes: Rita made a motion to approve the minutes. Carolyn seconded and the motion carried.

Treasurer's Report- Sarah Healy

 Doug made a motion to except the financials.  Carolyn seconded and the motion carried.  Doug made a motion that the remaining $20,000 from the reserve funds of the Foundation grant be moved to the checking account.  Diana seconded and the motion carried.  After discussion we decided that Sarah will go talk to John Shaw about cleaning up our accounts in both church fund and priest fund.

Old Business:

1.      Field Out Front:  Ron mowed the field a few weeks ago.  O’Donnel Maintenance will be taking over the spraying of the field.  He plans to spray the end of April and again only if there are spots that need it. 

2.      Altar Guild: The Cruets have been ordered through Gerkin’s out of Denver.  They will also be engraving them in memory of Shirley Runge.  The money for these items will be coming out the Memorial Fund.  We received the new candles that ECW was kind enough to purchase.  They are currently at Worley’s Welding getting the bases sanded down as our candle holders were custom made when we used real candles so they need a little shaving to fit properly. 

3.      Land at the Bottom of the Hill:  the owner of the motel contacted Jim to see if we would be interested in selling a small portion at the bottom of the hill.  Jim let him know that the Vestry had already discussed it and everyone was in agreement that we were not interested in selling. 

4.      Smoke Detectors and Fire Extinguishers:  Sam made a motion that we purchase 1 K fire extinguisher and 3 ABC fire extinguishers from Frandson Safety.  7 smoke detectors/carbon monoxide detectors be purchased from Ace Hardware.  Diana seconded and the motion carried.  The money for these items will come out of the building fund.

New Business

1.      Convention/ERD Donation & Basket: Doug made a motion that we donate $500 to ERD at convention which will be matched by the foundation.  Carolyn seconded and the motion carried.  Rita has been generously offered a tree skirt for the silent auction.  This money also goes to ERD.

2.      St. Christopher’s Weddings:  Recently following 2 weddings the contract was broken as things were moved and not put back in place, garbage was left and the gate was left open.  All of which is clearly stated in the contract.  We deposited both deposits and will be mailing them a letter to let them know.  Doug made a motion that we change the user fee from $100 to $250 and change the refundable deposit from $200 to $250 starting August 18, 2025.  Carolyn seconded and the motion carried.

Reports:

1.                  Rector’s Report-The Rev. Jim Stewart: Jim let us know that instead of a fall study group they are looking at having a movie night.  He will be running for a clergy spot for National Convention in Arizona.  The BBQ at St. Christopher’s went well.  The program at Wedding of the Waters was good.  There is a large plastic garbage can on the patio for anyone who would like to recycle glass.  The Rev. Linda Anderson will be taking the glass to Powell where they make it into sand and local landscapers then purchase it.  Food Bank had a great turnout and one of the ladies from the Casper office was here and took some great pictures.  Still attending Standing Committee and Building Committee.  Still working on continuing education class.  Worship Planning meetings will resume September 2^nd. He will be taking a class on administration.

2.                  Sr. Warden's Report-Shirley Wildman:  Shirley reported that the 2026 Budget for the Diocese will be coming out on August 23^rd at preconvention in Cody at Thomas the Apostle Center.  2 budget meetings will be held in September and then it will be voted on in October at convention.  We received the joint grant we put in for with Basin.  This consists of flower gardens that will be built and maintained at the new Light House in Worland. 

3.                  Jr. Warden's Report-Samantha Strickler:  Sam reported that Dan Mattis will be cleaning the carpet in the Parish Hall.  She has come up to the church following each of the winds storms we have been having since July 4^th and the trees and the church have not acquired any damage.  We are looking to get rid of the old chairs in the back room to make room for the new freezer that was donated. 

4.                  Born Again-Shirley Wildman:  They gave $500 to Blessings in a Backpack. And $300 each to the Worland, Ten Sleep and Thermopolis fire departments.

5.                  ECW Report- Shirley Wildman:  The BBQ Festival went well after paying for ice-cream we made $3,638.87.

6.                  Congregational Care Team:  They will meet on September 8^th at 10:00am.

7.                  Vestry Reports:  The parking lot on the side of the church has a pretty significant hole that needs to be fixed before winter. Sarah thanked Rita, Sam & DeCroo’s for all their work at the BBQ Festival. 

Next Vestry Meeting: September 15, 2025 at 6:00pm.

Closing Prayer: Rita              Prayer at Next Meeting: Doug      

  Adjournment: Shirley