APPROVED VESTRY MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27TH, 2002

THE MEETING HOUSE

VESTRY PRESENT: The Reverend Peter Courtney, Bob Wood, Walter Jarrett, Terri Tillman, Phillip Cofer, Peg Wood, Joe Napoli, Jan Wheeler, Duncan Krause, Dave Gossett, Cindy McAlister, Chris Saye, Carol Winthrop, Bruce Morrow and Leigh Preston.

NON-VESTRY PRESENT: The Reverend Mandy Brady and Dee Forester.

PRAYER, PRAISE AND SONG

Father Courtney opened with praise and led the Vestry in song.

DEVOTIONAL

Father Courtney read excerpts from “The Kryptonite Kid” by Joseph Tocchia- letters to Superman. He highly recommended the book.

ELECTION OF ENDOWMENT FUND BOARD MEMBERS

Cindy McAlister presented the following slate of nominees: Bob Bowen, Jim Bowers and Gene Weeks and instructed the Vestry members to vote for two of the three. Bruce Morrow called to close the nominations and Walter Jarrett seconded. Ballots were passed for the vote and then collected by Leigh Preston and Dee Forester for a count. Leigh Preston announced the new board members will be Jim Bowers and Gene Weeks, who each received a majority of the votes cast.

CONSIDERATION OF THE BUDGET FOR 2002

Bob Wood presented these highlights regarding the Budget for 2002. Pledge income is down compared to 2001. Salaries have been bumped up 3% to match the cost of living increase. Outreach funding and the pledge to the Diocese are cut. Parish programs are funded at less than the requested amounts, although the net spending on Parish programs is essentially the same as last year. Bob reminded the Vestry that they had requested a balanced budget and this is as close as it gets. Walter Jarrett asked if the figures were correct for Line Item 530-050 Workman’s Comp. Insurance. Bob Wood felt that they are correct, but he will go over this line item with Karen Holland. Peg Wood commented that she likes the format- it is easy to follow and understand. Peter Courtney called to adopt the proposed budget for 2002. The vote was unanimous and the Budget was adopted.

FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER, HOLINESS CODE

While on retreat the Vestry compiled a list of twelve actions they will strive to adhere to while serving as the Vestry for 2002. Peg Wood added that she recalled the Vestry agreeing to mentor younger people in the Parish and cultivate them into leaders.

FACILITIES COMMITTEE PROPOSAL

Walter Jarrett presented a revised proposal from Surber/Barber and went over the expenditures to date. After discussion it was decided that the Facilities Committee will get bids from other Architectural Firms before deciding whether or not to go with the Surber/Barber proposal. Chris Saye suggested that a budget for the project be set. The Facilities Committee will take the suggestion under advisement. Walter and the Committee will proceed and bring new information to the Vestry.

CREATION OF A COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

Bruce Morrow reminded the Vestry that at the retreat a need was seen for better communication within the Parish and with the Athens Community at large. Bruce brought to the Vestry the proposal to form a new Vestry Commission named Parish Communications. The Communication Commission shall oversee all ministries related to communication, including publications, the greeting of newcomers, and stewardship. Bob Wood explained that this is the presentation of the proposal and the Vestry can vote on this proposal at their March meeting. Peter Courtney asked what the sense of the Vestry was regarding the formation of this 8th Commission. The Vestry feels this is a good idea.

STEWARDSHIP TIMELINE

Duncan Krause presented the Stewardship Timeline (copy included in Vestry minute book, Rector’s office.) Duncan will generate a monthly feature “An Abundance of Blessings” sharing examples of wonderful things going on in the Parish. He asked the Vestry to help provide him with material for this feature each month. Duncan sees this Stewardship campaign as a celebration with a definite beginning - approximately October 1, 2002 with a special parish event, and a definite ending at the Annual Parish Meeting and Brunch in December.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Father Courtney reviewed Melissa Fulcher’s Parish membership report.

Bob Wood asked the Vestry to note the excellent report from the Outreach Committee.

Father Courtney announced that Blue Wood will serve as editor of the Tower.

Peg wood spoke to the Architecture, Gifts and Memorials Committee Report. Under recommendations to the Vestry the only one needing action was #2 Designate the Bell Tower Terrace as the Emmanuel Bicentennial Terrace. After discussion it was determined that “Bicentennial” would be an incorrect term in the life of Emmanuel Church. Peg and the Committee will bring more information to the Vestry before action can be taken.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Peg Wood asked that a letter be sent to the Day School commending them for reaccredidation granted them by NAEYC. Father Courtney asked Dee Forester to send a note on behalf of the Vestry.

Duncan Krause announced that the Rite 13 ceremony will be held on Sunday, April 7 at 9am. There is a rehearsal followed by a luncheon on April 6th. The Vestry is invited and encouraged to participate in the ceremony and to attend the rehearsal luncheon. The rehearsal begins at 11am and lunch will be served about 12:30 or 1:00. The luncheon will include the three celebrities, their families, all the youth groups and their leaders, and the clergy and vestry. Just a brief reception will follow the 9am service on Sunday. Sarah will postpone Sunday School until 10:25 that day to allow parishioners the opportunity to congratulate the 3 celebrities and their families.

Father Courtney announced a 7:00 p.m. Eucharist for seven Sundays beginning March 31,2002 and going through Pentecost, May 19th, 2002. These services will be followed with a meal in the Common Room.

Duncan Krause and Terri Tillman announced the Youth Retreat Labyrinth will be provided to the Parish as a gift on Palm Sunday, March 24, 2002 from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Monday , March 25th and Tuesday March 26th from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.. This is a meditation exercise and takes approximately an hour to complete. Sign up is required on the sign up sheet outside Sarah Fisher’s office.

Leigh Preston announced a work day at the Episcopal Center April 13th, 2002. The building will be scraped and ready to be painted. All painters will be welcomed.

Cindy McAlister announced that Keisha Ferrell would like volunteers to plan, provide and prepare the Wednesday night meals at the Episcopal Center.

Mandy Brady would like to head a team for “Hands on Athens” April 5th, 6th, and 7th - a great way to give back to the Community.

DEVOTION

Chris Saye-March Vestry Meeting

Father Courtney closed the meeting with a prayer.

Respectfully submitted,

Dee Forester

Secretary to the Vestry

* Note: Copies of the Vestry Agenda for January 3, 2002 and attachments are in the Vestry Minute Book in the Rector’s office.