Present: Peter Courtney, Chris Saye, Lisa Yarn, Susan Galis, Jan Wheeler, John Waters, Walter Jarrett, Philip Cofer, Bob Wood, Cindy McAlister, Clay Gilbert, Peg Wood, Nancy McDuff, Paul Anderson, and Duncan Krause

Guest: Mandy Brady

Excused: Carol Winthrop, Dee Forester

Father Courtney opened the meeting promptly at 7:00 with singing.

Duncan Krause provided the devotion with a story from If Life's a Game, These are the Rules, followed by a reading from Ecclesiastes 3. The focus of the devotion was the meaning behind the storms in our lives, the lessons learned, and God's presence throughout.

The minutes of the May 23, 2001 Vestry meeting were approved with no changes.

Clay Gilbert provided the financial report, indicating that parish finances (pledge and other income relative to expenses to date) are close to budget. The possibility of reminding parishioners to remain current with their pledges for 2001 was discussed; it was decided that a short reminder would be printed on the 6-month pledge statements and that announcements would be made in church.

Nancy McDuff presented information regarding church space used by the Emmanuel Episcopal Day School (EEDS) and the market value of that space. Approximately 10,000 square feet is used by EEDS; estimates of market value for that space ranged from $4-$12 per square foot. There was considerable discussion regarding the factors to be taken into consideration in determining an appropriate rate for calculating a fair subsidy value, after which it was determined that an advisory group would be formed to set a cost that reflects fair market value and percentage of time that the space is used. The purpose of the study is to assign a more accurate dollar value to parish outreach ministries that use church property, and a similar study will be conducted for the Pope Street Association's use of the Cobb House.

Clay Gilbert discussed the proposed budget for the EEDS for 2001-02. After some discussion the budget was approved unanimously.

Father Courtney updated the status of administration of the EEDS. Cindy McAlister then presented a proposal (The McAlister Report) to restructure the EEDS Board as the EEDS Commission, reaffirming the commitment of Emmanuel Episcopal Church to EEDS and bringing the Day School more clearly under Vestry oversight and management. There was considerable discussion on the make-up of the EEDS Commission. Bob Wood motioned that the Vestry endorse the McAlister Report and that the by-laws of the EEDS be suspended in order that Father Courtney can fill the vacant position for EEDS Director. The motion was seconded by Peg Wood and received unanimous approval from the Vestry.

Bob Wood introduced amendments to the parish by-laws regarding the formation of the EEDS Commission. After initial discussion it was recommended that Vestry members forward any comments regarding revisions to all members of the Executive Committee (Lisa Yarn, Clay Gilbert, Cindy McAlister, Bob Wood, and Peter Courtney).

Jan Wheeler presented the schedule and other details for the coming stewardship campaign. The schedule she adopted emphasizes a shorter stewardship campaign, and important deadlines were highlighted for the Vestry.

Bob Wood discussed the selection of Council Delegates and Alternates. Council is scheduled to meet Friday evening, November 9 through and Saturday, November 10. Duncan Krause volunteered to serve as a delegate. Additional discussion was deferred until the July Vestry meeting.

Bob Wood reported that Mark Stewart had resigned from the Endowment Fund Board and that Amrey Harden had been nominated to replace him. His qualifications were discussed briefly, after which Cindy McAlister moved that we approve his nomination; Paul Anderson seconded the motion, and the appointment was approved unanimously.

The Long Rangers return! Lisa Yarn discussed the evaluation of the work done by the Long-Range Planning group from 1995-1998. Jay Shinn, Tom Holland, Barbara Coplin, and Lisa Yarn participated in this evaluation process. The Yarn Report concluded: “There was unanimous agreement among the reviewers that the planning, execution, and broad conclusions of the LRP (Long Range Planning process) were sound, and that the overall hopes and desires of the parish have not changed significantly. The major points voiced by parishioners during the 1995-1998 LRP process are still voiced today. The reviewers agreed that a new long-range plan would yield only marginal changes. Their conclusion in reviewing the LRP for the Vestry is that the basic groundwork has been laid, and that Emmanuel Church is ready to engage a professional land use planner to assist us in moving forward, to best use our resources in doing God’s work.” The Vestry voted unanimously to endorse the conclusions reached in the Yarn Report.

Bob Wood noted the Committee reports included in the vestry packet. There was no discussion.

Paul Anderson asked when a nominating committee would be formed to select new candidates for the vestry. Bob Wood responded that the outgoing vestry members would handle that responsibility.

Father Courtney discussed briefly the Sophia Network Conference that he and Mother Mandy attended in Maryland in June.

Mother Mandy discussed briefly a matter involving irregular consecration of bishops. Bob Wood volunteered to put an article relating to this matter on the website.

Nancy McDuff asked about a celebration of Peter's ministry. There was widespread agreement that December 28, 2003, the 35th anniversary of his ordination, would be an excellent occasion for a celebration.

John Waters volunteered to lead the devotion at the July meeting.

The Vestry adjourned with the dismissal at 9:20 PM.