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

NON-VESTRY PRESENT: Dee Forester.

PRAYER, PRAISE AND SONG

Father Courtney lead the Vestry in singing “Goodness is Stronger Than Evil” and then in prayer. He asked that the Harden family be remembered in prayer because of the death of Louann Harden Hearst and for prayers for safe travel for Mandy, Laura, and Katherine as they travel to New York to see Sarah Fisher.

DEVOTION

Father Courtney gave a brief history of Bury St. Edmonds and spoke of his day and the unfortunate meeting with an unpleasant character. He updated the Vestry on his recent travels to Chicago to participate in a seminar and to Florida to attend a meeting regarding the Pension Fund.

FINANCIAL REPORT WITH RESOLUTIONS

Bob Wood brought three resolutions to the Vestry for consideration. The Finance Committee is asking the Vestry to empower them to review the financial statements available in mid to late December and decide whether to increase the payment to the Diocese from $ 50,000 to no more than $56,349.00. Peter called for the vote and the resolution passed unanimously. The other two resolutions pertain to the housing allowance for Father Courtney and Mother Mandy. The Vestry resolved that of the total compensation of $89,765.00 to be paid to the Reverend Peter Courtney during 2003, that $36,000 be designated a parsonage allowance within the meaning of that term as used in Section 107 of the IRS code of 1986. The Vestry passed this resolution unanimously. The Vestry resolved that of the total compensation of $ 46,573.00 to be paid to the Reverend Amanda Brady during 2003, that $ 22,500.00 be designated a parsonage allowance within the meaning of that term as used in Section 107 of the IRS code of 1986. The Vestry passed this resolution unanimously.

In looking at the Financial Statement for October 31, 2002 Bob pointed out that as of the end of October, 72.6% of what was budgeted for pledges had been collected. The Parishioners who pledged for 2002 will be sent a statement by Karen Holland informing them of their pledge standing. These statements will go out early in December. Bob noted that December is usually a good month for pledges and recordable contributions. Operating expenses may go over budget. Programs look to be within budget. Bob urged the Vestry to e-mail him or any of the other Finance Committee members (Duncan, Peg or Phillip) with any questions they might have.

TENTATIVE 2003 BUDGET

Bob Wood brought to the Vestry the tentative revised budget for 2003. This is a tentative budget and things will change between now and February when the budget will need to be approved. One change will be the hiring of a sexton. The pledge figure of $534,000 is an educated guess. The budget has been constructed with few if any cuts in Parish Programs. Bob noted that the accumulated surplus is $100,000+ and can be tapped if the Vestry chooses to do so. He asked the Vestry to note the shaded Line Items as they indicate a change in figures. Bob and the Finance Committee feel that the budget is a good one and goals can be reached.

Peg Wood asked the Vestry to thank Bob for all his hard work and Bob thanked the Committee who had all shared the job of formulating the budget. The Vestry discussed salaries and how the figures are determined. For salaries in general, the Executive Committee meets with Peter and the salaries are jointly determined. Father Courtney’s salary is determined by the Executive Committee. Joe Napoli made the motion to amend the increase of the salary of the Assistant Rector from 3% to 5% with the Finance Committee to find the funds. Jan Wheeler seconded. Father Courtney called for the question. The vote was 7 in favor, 3 opposed and 1 abstention. The motion carried.

The Vestry voted to unanimously accept the tentative budget for 2003.

STEWARDSHIP

Duncan Krause reported that 357 letters had been sent to member and 120 letters to students and others. Thus far, 157 responses have pledged $302,000.00 and 13 have sent responses saying they choose not to pledge. The average pledge is up somewhat. An article in “The Tower” urges those who have not responded to please do so by December 8, 2002. Those not heard from will be contacted by December 15th.

PROGRESS REPORT ON THE PLANNING PROCESS

Walter Jarrett and his committee met with Surber, Barber on November 6th. The final drawings incorporate changes that had been suggested. The projected budget is five million dollars. Joe Napoli praised Walter for his wonderful work with this project and urged Walter to continue working on this project even though he is rotating off the Vestry. Father Courtney sees the 2003 Vestry deciding what the project will be and how much it will cost. Bob Wood encouraged the Vestry to remain positive about this project as much has been accomplished. The Vestry agreed to the creation of a process and timeline for the planning process which included but is not limited to the disposition of the cottages and the Cobb House.

VESTRY NOMINATING REPORT

Carol Winthrop is delighted with the great slate of eight nominees standing for the Vestry. She thanked Father Courtney, who has said he will write to all eight after the election thanking them for standing for the Vestry. There was discussion about the possibility of absentee ballots being cast. There is no process in place to process absentee ballots. Cindy McAlister suggested looking into a process to include as many people in the voting process as possible and Father Courtney agreed that this issue needs to be referred to the Executive Committee for continued attention and planning.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Duncan Krause reported that he met with the AGM Committee regarding the signs for the property and got good feedback and is moving forward with this project. He will meet with Kat and Amy soon for their feedback regarding wording and location.

Peg Wood reported that the AGM Committee wants to print and sell note cards of the Bronze statue of the Madonna and Child that graces the terrace. The Vestry approved the idea. Peg recommended that the Vestry approve the idea that a large stone in the All Saints Terrace be engraved in memory of Mrs. Mildred Rhodes, Elizabeth Williams and their parents, who were so generous with their gifts to the Emmanuel Parish Endowment Fund. Peg also asked the vestry to approve a memorial to Beth Parker in the form of a bird bath to be placed in the St. Francis Garden. The Vestry accepted both proposals.

There will be a brunch for the Parish on December 8th at 8:45am. Following the brunch, the Annual meeting will be held at 9:45am with the worship service beginning at 11:15 am.

Father Courtney invited the retiring members of the Vestry to schedule an exit interview with him at their convenience (if they wish). He has enjoyed these sessions in the past and learned much and is offering this pastoral care.

Joe Napoli announced that the Master Chorale will perform on December 6th and invited everyone to attend.

Dates to remember:

December 8, 2002 Annual Meeting

December 12, 2002 Vestry Meeting at Peter’s 6:30 p.m.

January 10-12, 2003 Vestry Retreat at Camp Mikell, Father Courtney, Facilitator

January 24-26, 2003 Parish Weekend

FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER

Cindy McAlister thanked Bob, Walter, Jan and Phillip for their wonderful work while on the Vestry.

Father Courtney adjourned the meeting.

Respectfully submitted,

Dee Forester

Secretary to the Vestry