APPROVED VESTRY MINUTES

OCTOBER 23, 2002

THE MEETING HOUSE

VESTRY PRESENT: Phillip Cofer, Peg Wood, Jan Wheeler, Walter Jarrett, Bob Wood, Carol Winthrop, Debra Harden, Terri Tillman, Joe Napoli and Cindy McAlister.

NON-VESTRY PRESENT: Mother Mandy Brady, Jay Shinn and Dee Forester.

PRAYER, PRAISE AND SONG.

Joe Napoli lead the Vestry in singing of the Doxology.

DEVOTION.

Phillip Cofer read from Day by Day, Luke 12:49-59 and Psalms. The message was to stop, think and look around and give thanks for all we have. Money is a gift that is easily shared.

PRELIMINARY AUDIT REPORT.

Jay Shinn who has been coordinating with the external auditors (Brooks, Holmes, Williams and Cook, LLC) brought the Preliminary Audit Report to the Vestry for discussion and feedback. He noted that the Auditors have made suggestions regarding bookkeeping practices. This Audit is period ending 12-31-01 and thus far the Auditors have found no problems. There have been many accounting reviews for Emmanuel Church in the past, but never an audit. The Vestry is asked to e-mail Jay (tybia@charter.net) with any questions regarding the audit. The Finance Committee will bring a complete report to the Vestry when the audit is completed. If there are any changes in the bookkeeping practices the Vestry and those responsible will be re-educated.

FINANCIAL REPORT.

Phillip Cofer brought the report from the Finance Committee that pledges and contributions are still lagging. Expenses are under budget, but that could change as we come to the end of the year. The Finance Committee asked that everyone in charge of a committee closely watch expenses. The budget is over on office supplies, but under on printing and paper. No overspending will be necessary on Grounds maintenance. The figure for leaf removal is $800.00 and there will be a leaf removal before Thanksgiving and before Christmas. Bob Wood called attention to the Pledge Chart Line and pointed out that it is a little below the average for the past six years. It is expected that recordable contributions will be well ahead.

2003 BUDGET.

Bob Wood brought commentary on the first draft of the 2003 Budget to the Vestry. He noted that salaries and benefits are up, Beyond the Parish is up largely because of the pledge to the Diocese, Parish Programs are up because of the vision for the Parish and Operating Expenses are up because of Insurance increases and general cost of living. During the discussion Carol Winthrop suggested that the Vestry each pay their own way to the Retreat. Line Item 650112 is new due to the J2A Pilgrimage program. It was suggested that next year’s audit expense could be spent out of surplus. Bob advised the Vestry that the Board of Realtor’s are probably planning to move from our building April 1st. or thereabouts. One month from now, after the Finance Committee has discussed the budget, the Vestry will be asked to pass a Provisional Budget. The Vestry is encouraged to e-mail any questions or comments to Bob Wood or any member of the Finance Committee.

VESTRY NOMINATING COMMITTEE.

Carol Winthrop thanked the Committee for the great slate of candidates. The Vestry was reminded that the Vestry Retreat will be January 10,11 and 12, 2003. The Vestry discussed getting together with the new Vestry members before the retreat in order to become acquainted. Carol will let the candidates know that a complete record of Vestry actions for 2002 is available for them to read in the church office. The Candidates are: Laura Cofer, Gary Davis, Lee Gaby, David Kidd, Larry McLeod, Naomi Norman, Jay Shinn and Sherry Turnipseed. The Vestry thanked Carol for a job well done.

COMMITTEE REPORTS.

Peg Wood, with delight, reported that the AGM Committee has approved the suggestion of a memorial antique credenza/table for the Franklin Ferguson memorial. This table will be placed in the nave under the Apostles window when a suitable piece is located. Funds for this purchase have been obligated form gifts given in his memory and are in the General Memorial Account. Peg stated that Franklin's family is well pleased with this memorial.

ANNOUNCEMENTS.

The Vestry concurred to move the November Vestry from November 27th to November 20th. The Vestry also suggested a short meeting in December, before the Retreat, to familiarize new Vestry members with Vestry agendas and get acquainted.

Debra Harden noted that stewardship letters had been addressed to the heads of household only. Spouses were not included in the addressing. Duncan Krause noted in the Stewardship Report that he had yet to perfect the way to extract the data from the computer data base but would begin the process now so that future mailings will include spouses.

DEVOTION.

Debra Harden-November 20, 2002 Vestry meeting.

CLOSING PRAYER.

Bob Wood closed the meeting with a prayer.

Respectfully submitted,

Dee Forester

Secretary to the Vestry