APPROVED VESTRY MINUTES

CHRISTIAN CONNECTION

JUNE 25, 2003

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

VESTRY ABSENT: Bruce Morrow.

OTHERS PRESENT:

Mother Mandy Brady and Dee Forester.

PRAYER, PRAISE AND SONG

Father Courtney opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. with a prayer. He lead the Vestry in singing "They Cast Their Nets”.

DEVOTION

Debra Harden read from "An Interrupted Life” by Etty Hillesum.

She closed the devotion with a prayer.

FINANCE

Duncan Krause reported that the finances are in good shape with the only concern being possible overspending in General Maintenance (Line Item 750 300). The Finance Committee will continue to monitor income and expenses carefully. Treasurer, Johnny Terrell will investigate whether we should consider refinancing our loan. If it is decided to refinance, several bids will be sought and recommendation prepared for the Vestry to consider at the August meeting. Duncan asked Vestry members to retrieve the Day School report from their boxes. The Finance Committee will consider the fire alarm system in July and make a recommendation to the vestry.

VNC REPORT

Carol Winthrop reported that she will guide the Vestry Nominating Committee through their first meeting. The committee may consist of up to nine members including the five retiring Vestry members (Cindy McAlister, Chris Saye, Duncan Krause, Peg Wood and Carol Winthrop). All five vestry members have agreed to serve. Other names that have been submitted are Debra Lassiter, Andy Simmonds, Tom Odom, Mark Stewart and Nancy McDuff. Carol asked that the Vestry approve the names in principal prior to the completion of the list of candidates. Father Courtney called for the question and the motion carried unanimously. The Vestry election will be held at the annual meeting December 7, 2003, and the slate should be posted well before that time. Carol is also working on a comprehensive list of parishioners who have served on the Vestry.

97th ANNUAL DIOCESAN COUNCIL REPORT

Cindy McAlister reported that the 97th Annual Diocesan Council will meet November 7th and 8th, 2003. Emmanuel will have five delegates and up to five alternates. Cindy made the motion to accept the following slate of delegates: Ron Bates, Lee Gaby, Barbara Coplin, Jack Coplin and Laura Cofer; and, Duncan Krause and Stuart Cofer as alternates. Terri Tillman seconded the motion and Father Courtney called for the question. Duncan and Lee abstained from voting. The motion carried with 12 yeas.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

FACILITIES REPORT

Research continues on disposition of the church cottages and relocation of Pope Street. Work is progressing on the West Window. Blinds are needed in Christian Connection and the Thrift House needs painting. A decision will need to be made on the Fire Alarm System. As the Vestry will not be meeting in July, a motion was made to authorize the Executive Committee, pending the Finance Committee meeting, to approve the installation of the fire alarm system, not to exceed $19,000.00, with a monitoring fee of $105.00 a month. David Kidd requested that the entire vestry vote on the system rather than authorizing EC. The Finance Committee will communicate to the Vestry, via e-mail, where the funds for this project will come from. Cindy will then call for a vote via e-mail.

AGM COMMITTEE

Peg Wood brought the following actions taken by the AGM committee. The design to modify the lectern steps and add railings for safety has been approved by AGM and the project turned over to the Facilities Committee to implement. AGM recommends the purchase of six antique chairs which have been in the parlor for several months, at a maximum amount of $2200.00. AGM recommends that an organizational mechanism be established to foster committee liaison, communication, and coordination between AGM, long range master planning and facilities. EC will review the SOPs of these committees.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Cindy McAlister gave the history of the ad hoc committee that former rector, Eddie Ard, had appointed to redecorate the parlor. Father Ard gave the Parlor Committee the authority to decorate the parlor, up to $12,000.00. Any amount spent on that project over $12,000.00 must be approved.

The minutes of the May meeting were approved with 11 voting yes, 1 abstention and 3 not voting.

The Vestry and their spouses are invited to a social at the Napoli’s home on Sunday, July 27th at 5:00 p.m. Please RSVP to Maggie by July 20th.

FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER

Mother Mandy announced that there will be a pre-convention gathering this Saturday at St. Gabriel’s in Oakwood from 10:00-11:30 a.m.

Duncan talked with a Pilgrim who said the trip was wonderful and he thanked Terri and Laura for their leadership. The Pilgrims will hold a Rector’s forum the second Sunday in September.

Peter said he received a wonderful e-mail from Kat.

Cindy suggested the importance of all the youth of the Parish hearing from the Pilgrims. She suggested they might speak at VBS, EYC and to all Sunday school classes.

Duncan encouraged the Vestry to look at the newly finished playground.

Beginning June 28, 2003, the new Emmanuel Sexton will be Britt Ferguson.

Lee thanked all for their prayers for Sherry and their family at her father’s passing.

Lee acknowledged John Waters and Carol Downs for their letters regarding the church cottages.

Jay Shinn complimented Carol Downs and her group for their work on the West window replacement while the window is being repaired. Jay will write a letter of thanks from the Vestry.

The Executive Committee will meet July 14 and August 18th. No Vestry meeting will be held in July, 2003. The August 27th Vestry meeting may be moved to the 20th.

VOLUNTEER FOR THE AUGUST DEVOTION

Laura Cofer.

Father Courtney ended the meeting with prayer at 7:52 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Dee Forester

Secretary to theVestry