ANNUAL PARISH MEETING

DECEMBER 8, 2002

Father Peter Courtney opened with a prayer and declared the Annual Parish Meeting in session.

He explained that the purpose of the meeting would be to elect five new Vestry members, discuss the Annual Parish Report and make a couple of presentations.

All who had been nominated to stand for the Vestry were asked to come to the front for introductions. Those standing were Gary Davis, Lee Gaby, Sherry Turnipseed, Laura Cofer, Jay Shinn, Naomi Norman, Larry McLeod and David Kidd. Father Courtney called for further nominations and there were none. He declared the nominations closed and ballots were passed by the following tellers: Bob Bowen, Suzanne Bennett, Jeanette Bowers, Hal Cofer, Dev Weeks, Beth Shaw and Walter Jarrett. Bob Bowen explained that the election would be conducted as usual and everyone was asked to vote for five names on their ballot. The ballots were collected.

Father Courtney recognized Duncan Krause and asked him to give the Financial Report and status of the Stewardship Campaign. Duncan stated that financially things are in very good shape. Pledges are lagging but are expected to be in by the end of the year. Recordable contributions are high and the Vestry expects the Parish to finish in the black. Next year’s budget shows a 5% increase. The Pledge Canvas wraps up today and Duncan urged those who have not returned their pledge cards to do so during the 11:15am worship service. Thus far, 204 units have pledged at a response rate of 65%. The pledges for 2003 are 75% of the way toward meeting the projected budget. Karen Holland will send out financial statements next week to all who pledged last year. Duncan acknowledged Karen’s hard work with him on the Stewardship campaign. Duncan also asked that the cooks for this mornings delicious brunch stand and be recognized.

Father Courtney asked Father Sean and Kiezha Ferrell to come to the front. The Ferrell’s are leaving Emmanuel to move to East Lansing, Michigan where Sean will serve as Chaplain at Michigan State University. Peter presented the following gifts to the Ferrell’s: a Georgia Bulldog trashcan, a Bulldog poster, a Bulldog thermometer, a framed Irish Blessing, his and her Bulldog scarves, a Jesus and a Mary night light, a Bulldog switchplate cover, a stuffed Bulldog and a purse.

Father Courtney asked Bob Wood, Sr., Warden to join him at the front of the Church. He presented Bob with a card of thanks and books for him to read as he retires from the Vestry.

Father Courtney asked the Vestry to come forward and answer questions from the parishioners.

Leslie DeHaseth asked about the status of the meeting house and the youth house. Bob Wood explained that the Facilities Committee has been meeting with the architectural firm of Serber Barber and Hertlein to discuss plans for additions to the Church and included within the scope of this project Serber Barber has given the following approximate estimates for renovation: Meeting house $ 70,000; Youth House $ 100,000; and Cobb House one million dollars. The Facilities Committee will continue with this project and input by Parishioners is welcomed.

Andy Simmonds thanked the Vestry for completing the first official audit of Emmanuel Episcopal Church. Jay Shinn headed the Audit Committee and reported that the final report has not yet been received but the auditors did praise the bookkeeping practices with only a few suggested changes. Jay thanked the Vestry, Bob Wood and Karen Holland for their work on the audit.

Rustin McAlister asked about the status of the repair of the stained glass windows. Phillip Cofer stated that the repairs hinge on the availability of funds. Bob Wood stated that the hope is to continue with the process, but this is not a Line Item in the 2003 Budget. Income from major maintenance (income from an endowment fund) was used to pay for the last repair and can be used to pay for future repairs.

Gary Davis asked the Vestry to share with the Parish what they see as challenges and opportunities for the Parish in the next few years. Peg Wood noted that the parking lot needs refinishing and that she foresees us having the opportunity to reach out to the community more and to reach out to each other more within the church.

Dave Gossett sees overall membership as a opportunity and the focus on children’s programs an opportunity. He stated that the people within the Parish are it’s greatest strength.

Bruce Morrow stated that money is certainly a part of the challenge and opportunity.

Debra Harden spoke of the privilege of working with Parish Life and praised those who feed and nurture the soul and body. She hopes updating of the kitchen will be looked at as there are many needs.

Terri Tillman sees the Parish as being diversified but compartmentalized within our diversity and would like to see the Parish come together as a family more often i.e. such as the Parish meeting today.

Phillip Cofer thanked Peter and Bob for their leadership and stated he has enjoyed being on the Vestry. He encouraged those in the Parish to get involved, participate and support projects. He also encouraged anyone who has something on their mind to feel free to let Peter know as he is very accessible.

Duncan Krause reported that there are future signs that will help make the Parish a more welcoming place to come to.

Joe Napoli urged the Parish to do something positive in the way of expanding the facility, in order to have something to be proud to leave behind. He stated it is our turn to leave our mark.

There were no more questions and Father Courtney thanked the Vestry.

Bob Bowen, Head Teller, returned with the Vestry election results. The new Vestry members are: Laura Cofer, Lee Gaby, David Kidd, Larry McLeod and Jay Shinn. Bob said the election had been a very close one with everyone getting many votes and these five the highest vote earners.

Bobby Gibson told the Parish it does take money to get things done within the Church but he feels worship is foremost and personal participation is a responsibility of everyone in the Parish.

He urged people to get involved, use their talents where needed around the church and donate time as well as money to the church.

Cindy McAlister thanked retiring Vestry members Jan Wheeler, Phillip Cofer, Bob Wood and Walter Jarrett for all of their hard work while serving on the Vestry.

Father Peter Courtney adjourned the meeting.

Respectfully submitted,

Dee Forester

Secretary to the Vestry