Vestry Minutes

Monday, December 15, 2025

Present: Rev. Bob Carlson presiding, Rich Gabrielson (2); Deb Marrer (2) Brian Erle (1); and Maui Palmiter (1)

The meeting opened at 1:05 with prayer. We continue to pray for guidance for the future leading of St. Andrews. We also talked about trusting God more with our finances, and what this means for our parish moving forward.

The minutes from the November meeting were approved.

Finance Report:

Cathy S. submitted the report which showed that we are $1,245.06 over budget as of 11/30/24, but within $3,352 of our pledged amount for the year. We are about $15,000 behind in our budgeted income for the year, but have balanced out our spending, and are staying afloat. We concluded that next year’s proposed budget may have to be adjusted in the next few weeks.

Property Report:

The boys are doing a good job with shoveling and salting the walkways, and have settled into the rectory. It was decided that any future overnight guest requests should be brought to the attention of the Vestry via email, to keep everyone in the loop.

Deb let us know that the furnace at the rectory has turned off at least three times in the last month. Arctic Bear was called each time (as the furnace is under warranty) but the issue keeps recurring. The boys will notify us with any future problems with the furnace.

Jonathan and Matt met with the boys to go over protocol and expectations regarding their stay at the rectory.  Also, all utility bills from the rectory will be initially paid by St. Andrews and then sent to Jonathan for reimbursement.

Old Business: 

2025/2026 Pledge Status 

Rich provided a printout of the pledges received and remaining for 2025. We hope to receive the remaining money pledged for 2025.  As for next year’s 2026 pledge cards, we have received 10 pledges so far. There may be a few more pledge cards coming in.

Revisit 2026 Budget on Monday 1/29/25:

The Vestry decided to meet in 2 weeks on Monday 1/29 at 1:00 p.m. to discuss and possibly revise the proposed 2026 budget. We will have a better idea of income, and whether we should lower the budget for next year.

New Business: 

Lessons and Carols will be on Sunday 12/28 @

10 am. Good Shepherd offered a visit from St. Nicholas at this service, and we thought this would be nice if any young children plan on attending.

Reverend Bob’s last Sunday will be on 1/4/26. We discussed and decided to celebrate Epiphany on that Sunday.

The warden’s Zoom meeting with Howard Smith will be on 1/8/26.

Bishop Dobbs is scheduled for visitation on 2/1/26 but Rich will confirm that with him.

Capital improvement plan and staff salary raises will both be discussed at our 12/29 Vestry meeting.

Ash Wednesday and Lent will be arriving soon so we should be thinking about ideas for Tuesday’s Bible study.

Meeting adjourned with prayer at 2:40 p.m.

Draft minutes submitted by Maui Palmiter, Vestry Clerk