The meeting opened with prayer led by Father John Powers. Presiding was Libbye Brooks. Vestry officers for 2009 were announced by Doug Laird, outgoing senior warden, as follows:

Senior warden – Libbye Brooks
Junior warden – Alan Oliver
Secretary, corresponding – Diane Montgomery
Secretary, recording – Margaret Speegle
Treasurer, banking – Bill Brookman
Treasurer, parish reports – Doug Laird
Vestry members – Rose Brookman, Tony Brown, and Sandy Charlson

Other
Music – Dean Coonrod:
Pianist – Susan Rollins, and also scheduler
Eucharistic bread making – Dorothy Elliott
Grounds keeper – Dickey Hollis

Doug Laird gave the church’s 2008 financial report, and noted St. Bede’s “is in the black.” A detailed, itemized financial report is available for interested members to read. 30% of last year’s budget was used to help outside sources, principally: Shared Ministries (to help other parishes), Outreach, and Camp Good Hope.

Libbye asked for a discussion on the fate of the Mugo Pine tree, located in the raised bed outside the sanctuary window. Spirited discussion followed with opinions split. It was decided to further trim the tree, give it more fertilizer and water regularly, and remove the encroaching ivy with Dr. Tim Samuels says is sapping it.

Libbye directed Diane to write three thank you notes:

1. Patti Laird for her donation of a Blue Spruce to replace the Hickory tree that died.
2. Don Derrick for his donation of a flowering dogwood.
3. John Walton for his financial donation to the building fund.

The dogwood is reported to have been severely damaged by browsing deer and probably won’t survive.

Lisa Thompson of Diamond Head and employed by TU informed members by Internet that she has taken a job in St. Louis. Since she will be moving there, she will no longer attend or contribute to St. Bede’s.

Piper Pearce’s baptismal rites were announced for Sunday, February 1, with Father Powers in charge.

Coming activities connected to the Lenten season are as follows:

1. Sunday, February 22 – PANCAKE DAY in Parish Hall in recognition of Shrove Tuesday. (It is to be held Sunday so more can attend.)
2. Wednesday, February 25 – Ash Wednesday evening services, with hour to be announced.
3. Sunday, March 1 – Lenten Studies at the church all preceding morning worship.

Plans on how to best utilize the remaining funds in the Parish Hall renovation account were discussed and the decision is:

1. Finish the water heater space in Parish Hall.
2. Replace Parish Hall metal chairs with some that are more comfortable.

By Margaret Speegle
Recording Secretary