APPROVED VESTRY MINUTES

August 20, 2003

VESTRY AND CLERGY PRESENT: Mother Mandy Brady, Laura Cofer, Father Peter Courtney, Lee Gaby, David Gossett, Debra Harden, David Kidd, Duncan Krause, Cindy McAlister, Larry McLeod, Joe Napoli, Jay Shinn, Terri Tillman, Carol Winthrop

VESTRY ABSENT: Peg Wood, Bruce Morrow

OTHERS PRESENT: Johnny Terrell (Treasurer), Jim Wahlers (Stewardship Chair), Chuck Galis, Jane Galis, Dave Woodruff

The meeting convened at 7:00 p.m. with prayer and a song.

Laura Cofer presented the devotional.

FINANCIAL REPORT - Duncan Krause

Duncan reported that pledge income is up for July. Expenses are in order, and the Finance Committee sees no need for a contingency plan at this time.

Due to changes in advertising rates and billing procedures at the Banner-Herald, plus the addition of extra ad space during Holy Week, the Advertising line item (750470) of the budget is on track to be overspent this year. Terri Tillman will look into this, work with the Banner-Herald and submit a request to overspend if necessary.

Karen Holland submitted a request to overspend the Vestry Retreat line item (650170) of the budget by $600 due to changes in Camp Mikell policy (an increase in the amount of deposit required). The money is to come from the surplus. The vestry voted unanimously to approve this request.

The 2004 Diocesan Pledge: On behalf of the Finance Committee, Duncan Krause proposed that the Diocesan Pledge for 2004 be set at $62,478 (10% of the average operating revenue for 2000-2002), a 2.8% increase over our 2003 total. Carol Winthrop asked if the amount set forth in the canon was a suggested minimum. Duncan replied that it was. David Gossett wanted to know if we were locked in to that amount once it was pledged. Duncan said that we were. The motion was put before the vestry and carried with 10 in favor and two opposed.

In response to a request from the Parlor Committee, the Finance Committee recommended to transfer the $500 in the Wedding Escrow account (Line 900325) and the $2,280 in the Needlework Escrow account (Line 900300) to the Parlor Fund. Jay Shinn added that there was no indication that the money would be used in the current accounts. The motion carried with 11 voting in favor and Larry McLeod abstaining. Duncan will contact Ann Scoggins of the Parlor Committee and Karen Holland to apprise them of the change.

Timeline for development of the 2004 budget: Duncan reported that the vestry would receive a draft budget for 2004 in October, with budget review to take place in November and a revised draft budget to be recommended for vestry approval in November. Everyone responsible for line items in the budget was requested to submit budget requests and justifications within the next six weeks, with the final deadline being October 1.

Refinancing the consolidated loan: Johnny Terrell gave a comprehensive analysis of the bids submitted to refinance the consolidated loan in order to take advantage of the favorable interest rates that are currently available. Four banks submitted bids (Main Street, Athens First, First American and SunTrust) and Johnny presented proposals from SunTrust (where the loan currently resides) and First American. Emmanuel can save money by refinancing, though Johnny recommended keeping the same monthly payment in order to pay off the principal faster. There were a couple of items in the proposal that required clarification:

1. What are the upfront costs associated with the refinance? There are no upfront costs involved if the loan remains with SunTrust, whereas First American will require various legal and clerical fees that would be consistent with the transfer of the loan.

2. Will the bank release property (i.e., the Real Estate Building or the Music Building) from the collateral in case we want to use them for other purposes? As long as the remaining properties on the note equal at least 75% of the value of the loan there is no problem.

Jay Shinn proposed a two-part motion (amended by suggestions from Duncan Krause and Debra Harden):

1. that the vestry give the Finance Committee and the Executive Committee authority to act on behalf of the vestry to renegotiate the refinancing of the consolidated loan with SunTrust.

2. That the terms of the final negotiation be brought before the vestry at the September meeting for a vote.

Lee Gaby made the motion and Laura Cofer seconded. The motion (both parts) was carried unanimously.

Williams-Rhodes Committee disbursement report: Jay noted that there was a balance remaining after the requests had been fulfilled and wondered why. Duncan replied that there were fewer requests than usual. Carol asked if the committee initiated any disbursements, or if the disbursements were only made to fulfill requests. Duncan said that the committee only makes disbursements based upon requests. Jay moved that the vestry accept the report. The motion was carried unanimously, with Debra Harden abstaining.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT - Carol Winthrop

Carol reported that the nominating committee was set and would convene on September 3 and elect a chairman. The committee hopes for a slate of 10 nominees to fill the five slots on the vestry that are up for election. Current members of the vestry were requested to give careful thought to possible candidates, approach people who declined in the past due to lack of time, and give names to the committee by September 3. A slate is needed by October 15 in order for the parish to be informed about the candidates and make an educated decision in time for the election at the Parish Meeting on December 7.

STEWARDSHIP REPORT - Jim Wahlers

Jim gave the vestry a brief overview of his philosophy for conducting a stewardship campaign. He plans to draw on a concept known as “Developmental Assets,” which was discussed at the Parish Weekend last winter. Developmental Assets are the ideas and emotional capital which bring people into an organization and keep them there. Jim plans to have materials ready in time for the next vestry meeting.

PARISH LIFE REPORT - Debra Harden

Debra reported that Cathy Cofer will be taking over as the coordinator of Foyers, succeeding Cindy McAlister, who is retiring from her service in that capacity. Cindy was thanked for the great job she has done with this popular ministry.

DAY SCHOOL REPORT - Laura Cofer

Laura reported that the Day School will hold an open house on August 28. The first day of school will be September 2.

FACILITIES REPORT - Jay Shinn

Jay reported that the fire alarm system has been installed, but that we will still be on the old system pending review and sign-off by the Athens-Clarke County Fire Marshal. Jay will be sending a letter to Sonitrol commending them for their excellent service in the installation. Debra thanked Jay for his work in coordinating the acquisition and installation of the alarm system, and Jay replied that Jim Jacobson was also due thanks for his efforts.

The restoration of the West (Peter, Paul and John) window is two or three weeks away from completion. Jay will send an email to keep the vestry updated on its progress. Re-installation of the window will depend on coordination between Al Wyatt and Marianne Parr once the restoration is completed.

OUTREACH REPORT - Lee Gaby

As of the time of the vestry meeting, the Outreach Committee had met but had not yet prepared a report. Barbara Coplin will have the report ready before the next vestry meeting.

Pere Bruno will be in Athens in September. A luncheon in his honor will be held in the Common Room on Tuesday, September 16 from 11:30 to 1:30, and members of the vestry are invited to attend. Please RSVP to Cindy McAlister by September 9.

FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER

Cindy read a note from Sherry Gaby thanking the vestry for their sympathy upon the recent death of her father.

Thanks were tendered to the Napolis for hosting the vestry social in July.

Cindy discussed several dates of interest, including:

• Executive Committee Dates: 9/17, 10/13, 11/10

• Vestry Meetings: 9/24, 10/29, 11/19

• In lieu of regular vestry meeting in December, we'll have dinner at Peter's home on Thursday, 12/11, at 6:30pm (includes ongoing, retiring and new members).

• Annual Meeting: 12/7

• Festival of Creches: 12/13-14

• Retreat 2004: 01/16-18

Bishop Alexander and our clergy and lay deputies to General Convention will hold public meetings to report about the convention and to answer questions. These will be on Sunday, September 14, at 2:30 p.m. at Grace Church in Gainesville; on Saturday, September 20, at 10 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Philip in Atlanta; and on Saturday, October 11, at 10 a.m. at St. Mark’s Church in LaGrange.

The vestry was asked to take notice of the pew Bibles that are now in the church. There is a label in the front of each Bible inviting the reader to take the Bible home and keep it if they wish.

Cindy read to the vestry a letter from Chris Saye tendering his resignation from the vestry. Chris cited strong objections to the outcome of the vote at the General Convention and his concern at the church’s response as reasons for his resignation. Cindy shared readings from the book, “Devotions for Vestry.”

Debra Harden asked for prayer for friends whose son was murdered. She also added that her mother’s health is improving.

Terri Tillman thanked the vestry for their prayers and support during the recent illnesses and deaths of a friend and family members.

Joe Napoli commented that he was very favorably impressed with the tone of the Rector’s Forum that was held to discuss the events of the General Convention.

David Gossett reminded the vestry that they represent the whole parish. He spoke for a group of people who have addressed concerns about the General Convention and its outcome. David feels that the leadership is being challenged, that we need more discussion sessions (such as the aforementioned Rector’s Forum) before the diocesan meetings. He reminded us to be sure and listen to the parishioners.

Debra Harden commented that it helped to refer concerned parishioners to the Bishop’s letter. She encouraged dialogue and trust among the vestry, and reminded us that any discussions should be handled with dignity and respect, and without an agenda. Debra suggested that we ask ourselves, “What can we do in the love of Jesus?”

Larry McLeod commented that we should be careful not to polarize.

Mother Mandy Brady told the vestry that the Primates of the Anglican communion would meet in October no matter what the outcome of the General Convention had been. Frank Griswold is the only American bishop who would be in attendance unless someone was specifically invited to speak. (This information was shared in response to the idea that the October meeting was called specifically to address the happenings at the General Convention.) Mother Mandy also reminded the vestry that a number of great things happened at the Convention, but they were ignored by the media and overshadowed by the sensationalism.

Jay Shinn commented that love as the foundation of the church has never been in question. However, people are making life-changing decisions based on their interpretation of the Bible and their opinions of the outcome of the Convention. Jay predicts that there are tough times ahead for the church.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Father Peter Courtney will be gone on a cruise from August 26 through September 8.

Dan Brown, the new Chaplain at St. Mary’s (UGA) will preach at Emmanuel on September 7.

FUTURE DEVOTIONS

Cindy McAlister volunteered to present the devotion for the September meeting.

Larry McLeod volunteed to present the devotion for the October meeting.

The visitors to the vestry meeting were welcomed.

The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Terri Tillman

Vestry member