The October Vestry Meeting was held on October 18th, with two members absent. Our special guest was Bishop Gene Robinson, and the first part of the meeting was a very informative discussion with the Bishop on a variety of topics. He told us that our parish is regarded with great respect within the Diocese, and also talked about stewardship, youth, and freely answered questions from vestry members.

Copies of the Profit & Loss Budget Performance Report for September 2011 were provided prior to the meeting. Valerie Blake noted that the Report reflects that Pledge Receipts are behind by approximately $22,000, and that the Parish has received approximately $87,000 in unanticipated memorial gifts. She projected that expenses at year-end should be within budget and there might be a positive variance in the operations and maintenance expenses.  However it is important for the pledge income to catch up in order to offset the forecast deficit.

Copies of the Draft Budget 2012 were distributed for discussion. A presentation will be offered to parishioners between services on November 13. Approval of the budget should be at the December meeting.

Committee reports were received in advance of the meeting from Edie Perkins, Hospitality; Davis Richmond, Youth; Terry Irwin, Mission; and Mike LaFond, Spiritual Formation. Kate Atkinson renewed the request to Vestry Members to identify themselves at Parish functions with name tags and lapel flowers; noted that "Assistance with Dignity" will be used to identify the whole outreach program of St. Paul's; and reported that she wants to advertise St. Paul's outside the church to provide information to persons in the community before the venture "Behind the Red Doors."

Kate reported that children will be given an opportunity to participate in pledging this year, and that the Search Profile for the new bishop has been completed. She also noted that the Interfaith Council has been quite active and effective, and that the annual interfaith Thanksgiving services will be held at the Bow Methodist Church this year.

Herb reported that ninety-six "Bricks" have been purchased so far to support the rebuilding of the cathedral in Port au Prince, Haiti, and the goal is to sell 308 bricks. The first "Mustard Seed Mother" has started working in Chapter Two. This Friday's Food Pantry shipment will be large, and the second of two discussions of the writing of the King James version of the Bible and "God's Secretaries" will be held on October 26th.

Casper also reminded Vestry Members to wear name tags and lapel flowers; and noted that licensing for Eucharistic Ministers needs to be renewed for Ginnie Schartner, Casper Kranenberg, June Novo and Holly Tepe; and for Eucharistic Visitors for Marilyn Watson and Mary McGilvary. A motion passed to approve these license renewals.

Lee expressed concern that pledge payments are down; and that greater promotion and support is needed for the Food Pantry and Chapter Two ministries.

Kate noted that the Food Pantry will be the Ministry of the Month for November, and there followed a discussion of ways to promote and support the ministries.

Kristen Dunklee reported that the Stewardship Campaign is off to a good start, with receipt of 10 pledges, 7 of which are renewals and reflect increases of more than 10%, and 3 of them which are new pledges.

Davis provided an update on the Parish Fair to be held on November 5th. He and Kate both noted that there is need of donations of more items to sell.

Terry Irwin reported on the recent MMR luncheon and expressed hearty thanks and gratitude for the important last minute initiatives and contributions by several parishioners which ensured the completion and success of the luncheon. He also provided a report of the trip by 8 parishioners to St. Thomas Church in Hanover to observe and participate in the annual, always successful, evening social fundraiser of the Parish. He expressed sincere thanks to those who attended and helped with the analysis of lessons learned which might be helpful to St. Paul's.