APPROVED VESTRY MINUTES

SEPTEMBER 25, 2002

THE MEETING HOUSE

VESTRY PRESENT: Bob Wood, Phillip Cofer, Duncan Krause, Joe Napoli, Cindy McAlister, Walter Jarrett, Carol Winthrop and Chris Saye.

NON-VESTRY PRESENT: Dee Forester.

PRAYER, PRAISE AND SONG

Joe Napoli gave thanks for the rain and lead the Vestry in singing the Doxology.

DEVOTION

Bob Wood read from John 14:25-27 and John 15:1-11. He asked the Vestry to follow a practice used in DOCC and speak their feelings of what the readings meant to them.

FINANCIAL REPORT

Bob Wood reported that last month’s pledges are below the average of past years. He noted that the budget is a few thousand ahead and in good shape. If the Vestry has questions regarding finances between Vestry meetings, they are encouraged to e-mail any member of the Finance Committee. Duncan Krause advised the Vestry that their Financial reports are in their boxes. Phillip Cofer asked Duncan to write something for the "Tower" addressing the pledge lag. Phillip reported that the audit is going very well and noted that the three year cost of the audit is just an estimate and not a contract.

2003 PLEDGE TO THE DIOCESE

Each year at this time Emmanuel is asked to make a financial commitment to the Diocese to help fund the Diocese’s budget for the following year. The figure to be pledged is 10% of the average net disposable income over the last three years (essentially pledges, plate and contributions.) The proposal before the Vestry is to pledge $60,732.00 for 2003. Cindy McAlister made the proposal to accept the pledge of $60,732.00 for 2003. Chris Saye seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Emmanuel’s original 2002 pledge was $56,349.00. Because of budgetary stress, the Vestry reduced the pledge to $50,000.00 when the budget was approved in February. The Vestry again confirmed the hope to fulfill the original pledge for 2002.

REPORT FROM THE VESTRY NOMINATING COMMITTEE

The Vestry approved the formation of the Vestry Nominating Committee with the following membership: Carol Winthrop, Chair, Chuck Galis, Phillip Cofer, Walter Jarrett, Agnes Parker, Jan Wheeler and Bob Wood. The Committee will meet tomorrow, September 26th, at 5:30 p.m. at the Meeting House. Carol reports that 60 names have been submitted and her hope is to get 10 to stand. The committee in contacting the candidates will emphasize that the honor is in the nomination. Carol will ask committee members and Vestry members to assist in approaching the candidates. The Vestry commissioned Carol and her committee to come up with the slate. The candidates will be voted on at the Annual Parish meeting December 8, 2002.

ELECTION OF AN AGM MEMBER

Bob Wood announced that Peggy Allen has retired from her membership on the AGM committee. Walter Jarrett moved (on recommendation of the Committee) that Jenny Broadnax fill the unexpired term of Peggy Allen to December, 2005. Carol Winthrop seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

SIGNS

The Vestry discussed and endorsed the idea of signs for the church property. Duncan has received quotes for signs from Davis Sign Co. and was asked to obtain another estimate. Duncan will then meet with the Finance Committee to discuss funding and the Facilities Committee to discuss placement.

STEWARDSHIP

Duncan Krause presented the timeline for Stewardship. This fall Emmanuel will celebrate "A Season of Thanks/Giving" with music, prayer, reflection and personal testimonies by Parishioners. December the 8th, the Annual Parish Meeting will conclude this celebration. Duncan proposes three letters being mailed by October 15th -1) to those who pledged last year, 2) to newcomers and 3) to those who did not pledge last year. There will be a financial pledge card and a time and talent pledge card. Those responding will be asked to do so by December 8th. Duncan suggested ways the Vestry can help with the Stewardship campaign: 1) attend Rector’s forum, 2) volunteer to share with the congregation or encourage others to do so, 3) return pledge cards quickly and 4) help telephone those who have not responded by the December 8th deadline.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Bob Wood praised Peg Wood for her splendid work with the AGM Committee.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Bob Wood reminded all that it is budget time. The first draft will come to the Vestry at the October meeting, not for action but for reaction. Commission leaders need to look at the budget lines and send in proposals.

Cindy McAlister announced that Beth Saye will take over AGAPE meals and thanked Gayla Nickerson and Jody Vrana for their hard work.

Cindy McAlister announced that Foyers is going very well with 9 groups meeting.

Cindy reminded the Vestry that Rite 13 is scheduled for November 16 and 17. Saturday will be the rehearsal and dinner and Sunday will be Rite 13 Ceremony at the 9:00 a.m. service.

Carol Winthrop praised Kat for the wonderful job she is doing and the wonderful addition to the staff.

FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER

Cindy McAlister has been hearing good things and seeing people returning to Church and also hearing good things about Peter. Joe Napoli commented that people seem to have realized that Peter is not a fire breathing dragon and that Peter is not the whole church.

Duncan Krause inquired if the air conditioner is fixed. Yes. Good news, the choir can wear their robes again.

Jim Jacobson is getting another bid on the kitchen air conditioner.

DEVOTION FOR THE OCTOBER 23RD VESTRY MEETING

Phillip Cofer

Bob Wood closed the meeting with a prayer.

Respectfully submitted,

Dee Forester

Secretary to the Vestry