Sunday Holy Eucharist @ 10:00 A.M
CHRIST CHURCH EPISCOPAL
ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES
February 2, 2025
Tony Biatek, Senior Warden brought the annual meeting to order by asking Father Bob to lead us in prayer, which he did.
Tony announced that Barb Smethers-Brenden offered to minutes of the meeting.
Tony asked those present to read the annual meeting minutes from 2024 so they could be approved. Steve Hovendick made a motion to accept the minutes as presented; motion seconded by Jonni Jones. Motion passed unanimously.
Tony indicated his seat would be open and Linda Hovendick, Judy Knispel, and Steph Perkins had offered to stay on one more year to help with the transitioning of ministers. Barb Smethers-Brenden has one more year. Paul Grant wanted to volunteer his time towards maintenance needs but didn’t feel comfortable at this time with administrative issues. Tony made the motion to nominate Barbara Winder to serve on the vestry for a one-year term; Steph made the motion nominate Jonni to serve on vestry for a one-year term; Carolyn Hovendick seconded the motion to nominate both Barbara and Jonni for one-year terms to be served on the vestry; motion was passed unanimously. Tony made the motion to nominated Steph as Senior Warden; seconded by Scott Knispel; motion passed unanimously. Tony made the motion to nominate Barb as Junior Warden; seconded by Jonni; motion passes unanimously.
Annual Reports:
Priest-in-Charge: Father Bob indicated he wouldn’t read his report verbatim but would hit the highlights. He reminded the congregation he would be retiring at the end of July. Bishop Barker asked if he would be willing to be somewhat flexible with that departure date. He does have a vacation planned in November and is hoping we can have someone in place by the end of August.
Father asked Tony if Canon Liz had connected him yet and he indicated she had not. Father would like our Senior Warden to reach out to Canon Liz sooner than later, so we can start looking towards the church’s future regarding a minister. Father also expressed he was hoping we could find someone to stay in the rectory or live within close proximity of Beatrice.
Father Bob thanked the vestry for working so harmoniously together as well as everyone in the congregation. He has never been at a church where everyone was so supportive and willing to step in to help one another. Steve also thanked Father Bob for bringing back our traditions and hopes we can continue with our Episcopal roots if we are unable to hire an Episcopal minister.
Senior Warden: Tony also indicated he would not read his report verbatim. He wanted to remind us that change shouldn’t be a problem but more of a challenge for us to learn and grow from.
Junior Warden: Barb reported our cost have been minimal this past and hopefully the repairs that are needed can be done with help from members of the congregation. Doug Klahn mentioned we should consider building a new stairway coming of the kitchen door of the parish hall. Steph also mentioned the Diocese would be offering a $5000.00 grant for upgrades in the church which is usually due at the end of March. Barb mentioned the addition of a camera in the church to view the main aisle and baptismal font.
Warrens Community Dinner Table: Barb reported they participated in the Big Give this past year and plan to participate again this year. The group does a great job monitoring take out meals making sure it’s not abused. This is the first year the group has noted people living in their cars and a greater need for
housing in Beatrice. Carolyn and Steph reported more people are asking for prayers. Father Bob reported this is the single best outreach program he has seen.
Evening Guild: Carolyn reported the weather was good this year for the soup supper which may have been the reason why we ran out of soup, which was a good thing. The only drawback was, there was no soup for the workers to take home with them! Also, she purchased cushions for the parish hall chairs which folks seem to like; therefore, she will purchase another bag of six.
Youth Ministry: Tony presented Chelsea Biatek’s report in her absence. He indicated the Biatek children really enjoy the classroom in the tower. Father Bob thanked the Biatek children for their acolyte service.
Altar Guild: Linda thanked members for their flexibility in switching as needed. Father Bob reported he really liked the new winter arrangement of altar flowers. Linda reported they were made by Rosalie Higgins.
Treasurer: Scott reported the Foundation authorized up to $30,000 this year for operating expenses if needed by the vestry. He reminded the vestry they would need to provide a written request (an email would be acceptable) for the money and make sure we allowed enough time for Steve to pull it out of the money market. He also remined members, if you walk through a closed door, please close it behind you as it does help our heating and cooling cost. Carolyn also reminded members, the Chapel is not heated or cooled during church hours.
Foundation: Steph reported, Rich Hovendick came onto the Foundation last year as a new member. Edward Jones investments did well this last year with a return of 7%. Steve reported there was still money in the Dick Hovendick Memorial for repairs on the last three stain glass windows (on the small south wall by the baptismal font in the main church). He has contacted Harry several times with no response.
Doug made the motion to accept all annual reports as presented; Linda seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously.
Old Business: Steph present Father Bob with a gift card from the congregation thanking him for his service and support to our church.
New Business:
Budget for 2025: Tony reported the rector compensation/supply clergy was left the same even though we would be transitioning, increased property and liability insurance by $5,000 as recommended by our retired insurance expert Scott, and diocese assessment was down from $5000 to $2500 as the Diocese based 2023 assessment on the income received by the church. Steph made the motion to except the 2025 budget as presented; motion seconded by Linda; motion passed unanimously.
Father Bob reported annual council would be in Omaha this year; Steph and Barb went the previous year. Steph indicated she would enjoy going again. Barb could go as long as the dates don’t conflict with her October vacation. Tony made the motion for Steph to attend annual council and another delegate to be determined at a later time; motion seconded by Scott; motion passed unanimously.
Father Bob thanked Deacon Frank for his ongoing ministry of prayers and hugs and Carolyn for volunteering her time with all the administrative assistance duties. Carolyn thanked Roseann for her hours of service she puts in playing the organ for us. Roseann thanked us for keeping her on in spite of all her falls. Barb thanked Scott for his service as treasurer.
Tony asked Father Bob to led us in a closing prayer as we all recited the Lord’s Prayer.
Tony made the motion to adjourned the meeting; seconded by Scott; motion passed unanimously.
Barb Smethers-Brenden
Clerk for annual meeting minutes
