APPROVED VESTRY MINUTES

CHRISTIAN CONNECTION

April 23, 2003

VESTRY PRESENT: Father Peter Courtney, David Gossett, Joe Napoli, Jay Shinn, Chris Saye, Peg Wood, Cindy McAlister, Terri Tillman, Duncan Krause, Laura Cofer, Lee Gaby, Larry McLeod and Debra Harden.

VESTRY ABSENT: Carol Winthrop, David Kidd and Bruce Morrow.

OTHERS PRESENT: Mother Mandy Brady and Dee Forester.

PRAYER, PRAISE AND SONG

Father Courtney called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and opened with a prayer. He led the Vestry in singing a hymn.

DEVOTION

David Gossett read the Dylan Thomas poem “Do Not Go Gentle into That Goodnight”. He read excerpts from the book Tuesdays with Morrie and finished with an Irish prayer.

FINANCE

On behalf of the Finance Committee, Duncan Krause brought two recommendations to the Vestry.

1) The Finance Committee recommends vestry approval of a request from Amy Wraga and the Day School to use $9,625 from the Day School surplus funds to repaint the school this summer.

Father Courtney called for the question. The Vestry voted to unanimously approve this recommendation.

2) The Finance Committee recommends Vestry approval of a request from Kat Ballard to overspend Line Item 507600 (Director of Youth Spiritual Formation Travel) by $814 for travel reimbursement for regular trips to Atlanta for diocesan Youth and Christian Education meetings and youth events. The Finance Committee encourages Kat to offset this increase, as possible, by managing expenses in budget Line Items 650110 and 650155. Father Courtney called for the question. Peg Wood commented that this is the only overspending item thus far this year. The Vestry voted unanimously to approve this recommendation.

Duncan commented that EEDS is in excellent financial shape. The Finance Committee is keeping an eye on General Maintenance expenses (750300), as they have been unusually high. Property Reserve (900090) contains $77,182.29 that could be used for an extra payment on the outstanding loan. However, due to several major expenses or potential expenses on the horizon, the Committee feels it prudent to postpone the decision until later in the fiscal year.

Cumulative pledge receipts are still above the seven year average, due to the unusually large prepaid pledges for 2003. On a monthly basis, pledge income continues to lag behind the seven year average. Jay Shinn and Duncan Krause will prepare an article for “Prince and Pope” regarding the work about to begin on the stained glass windows and will take the opportunity to remind parishioners of the need to remain current on their pledges.

AGM REPORT

Peg Wood asked the Vestry to review the actions taken by the AGM Committee at their April 15th meeting.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

There were no further reports.

FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER

Father Courtney discussed Erich Wahler’s death and funeral arrangements. Cindy McAlister will announce all pastoral events to the Vestry via e-mail. Beth Saye is in charge of the lunch at the church following the ceremony. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to NAMI (National Association for the Mentally Ill), 3050 Presidential Drive, Suite 2002, Atlanta, Georgia 30340 or to Emmanuel Episcopal Church.

Father Courtney announced he will be traveling and participating in Recovery Retreats in May. He will also attend his grandson’s 5th birthday.

Father Courtney was extremely pleased with Eastertide. Lee Gaby thanked Terri Tillman for her presentation of the stations of the cross. He informed the Vestry that Ali Wakenya sat through the Vigil. Lee and Cindy thanked Peter for the dinner at his house Saturday night.

Jay Shinn informed the Vestry that the Real Estate building is still up for lease. The real estate group will be out in a week or so. The inside and outside of the building will need to be painted.

The West stained glass window is scheduled to come out May 12th for repair and will be out all summer. The Altar Guild and Wedding Guild have been notified. Carol Downs is in charge of the design and painting of the filler to be used in place of the window. Peg Wood thanked Jay for the great job of getting the parking lot paved.

Lee and Terri announced that J2A netted $285 from the car wash and another car wash is scheduled for this Saturday.

Debra Harden announced that Sherry Gaby will coordinate “Lemonade on the Terrace” this summer.

Terri Tillman announced that Jessica Sams is a star in “Les Miserables”.

Porter Taylor and Mandy will lead a quiet day on forgiveness May 10th, at Emmanuel.

Duncan Krause announced that the signs are up but one sign requires an addition.

Cindy McAlister reported that Meg Winthrop’s surgery went very well. Debra Harden is scheduled to have surgery May 6th.

Father Courtney announced that Bob Wood and Lisa Yarn are still working on a proposal for disposition of the cottages.

Next Executive Committee meeting is May 19th.

Next Vestry meeting is May 28th.

Devotion May Vestry meeting: Terri Tillman.

There being no further business Father Courtney adjourned the meeting with a prayer at 7:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Dee Forester

Secretary to the Vestry