APPROVED VESTRY MINUTES

September 24, 2003

540 Prince Avenue

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

VESTRY ABSENT: Debra Harden and Duncan Krause (excused).

OTHERS PRESENT: Mother Mandy Brady, Kat Ballard and Dee Forester.

PRAYER, PRAISE AND SONG

Father Courtney opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. with thanks to those who rise to be lights in the spirit of the world. He led the vestry in “The Lord’s Prayer” and in the singing of “The Servant Song”.

DEVOTIONAL

Cindy McAlister gave the devotional with readings from Meditations for Vestry Members. She encouraged everyone to remember that all members bring unique talents and gifts to the vestry and that our ministry is to work together to make decisions that benefit the entire Emmanuel community.

FINANCIAL REPORT

Cindy McAlister reported that there was no Finance Committee meeting this month. FC will meet October 6th at 6:30 p.m. and begin drafting the budget. Please submit any requests to Duncan by October 1, 2003.

The consolidated loan was not refinanced. Instead, the rate was reduced to 4.85% (retroactive to September 1, 2003). The loan matures December 2006.

OPEN VESTRY SEAT:

With the resignation of Bruce Morrow, who was to serve until December 2004, the vestry has an open seat that needs to be filled. Cindy McAlister nominated Naomi Norman to fill the seat and Peg Wood nominated Jenny Broadnax. The Vestry voted and Dee Forester, Clerk, counted the votes. Naomi Norman was elected to fill the seat. Chris Saye, who also resigned, was to serve until December 2003 and that seat will not be filled as there will be an election of new vestry members at the Annual Parish Meeting, December 7, 2003.

VESTRY NOMINATING COMMITTEE UPDATE

The Vestry Nominating Committee is empowered to develop a slate of candidates. Larry McLeod asked that the slate be sent to the Vestry for approval. Carol Winthrop suggests that the VNC chairman begin work on developing a slate of candidates at the beginning of each year. Vestry Nominating Committee members are Lee Gaby, Duncan Krause, Cindy McAlister, Carol Winthrop-Chair, Peg Wood, Debra Lassiter, Nancy McDuff, Tom Odom and Mark Stewart.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION UPDATE

Kat Ballard expressed excitement at the large number of volunteers who are teaching Christian Education and helping with the EYC program. She asked Vestry members to thank the volunteers when they see them.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

FACILITIES COMMITTEE

Jay Shinn reported that the Narthex Window is being reinstalled and should be in place around September 30th. Community Connection wants to re-configure their interior space in the Outreach building. They have applied for a grant to cover the cost. The Potter’s House wants to open negotiation regarding lease renewal. The new fire alarm system has been inspected and all is OK. The Meeting House mold problem has made the space unusable; therefore 540 Prince Avenue is being used as an alternative. Estimates for correction of the mold problem are being sought.

RESOURCES COMMISSION MEETING

On July 29, 2003, a meeting was held with representation of all committees under Resources.

Attending were Jay Shinn, Chair, Peggy Allen for the Guild of St. Francis, Jim Jacobson for the Facilities Committee, Duncan Krause, Chair, Finance Committee, Naomi Norman for the Archives Committee and Peg Wood, Chair, AGM Committee. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the impact on operations of various provisions of the Bylaws, SOP’s, Guidelines and Organization Chart. Consideration of the charge of various groups will be reviewed by the Vestry.

ARCHITECTURE, GIFTS AND MEMORIALS COMMITTEE

Peg Wood reported that AGM held a brief meeting September 16, 2003. The review of the income and expenses is as follows: 1) non-obligated funds in the General Memorials account - $12,690.69, 2) obligated memorial funds - $5,554.54. There had been no memorial contributions nor expenses since the last meeting. AGM will work with Jay Shinn and the Resource Commission to reorganize. Allen Stovall will be the liaison representative for AGM to other committees, including Facilities and Long Range Planning. Peg Wood will continue as liaison with the Finance Committee.

FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER

Carol Winthrop thanked the Vestry for the beautiful European garden basket and for their kind words upon the death of her mother.

Cindy McAlister reminded everyone that Debbie Henson’s wedding will take place this Saturday and Debbie can be honored with donations to the new refrigerator.

Cindy reminded vestry members to send assets of Emmanuel to Jim Wahlers, Stewardship Chair, and thanked Joyce Hudson for her nice note to the vestry regarding LRP efforts.

Cindy announced that the Executive Committee meeting will be October 13th and the next Vestry meeting will be October 29th. Also, that Sherry Gaby was in an accident but, thankfully, no one was injured.

Peg encouraged vestry members to go and see the wonderful Day School playground.

Mother Mandy reported that the Diocesan Retreat went well with greater numbers of clergy present than usual. The Bishop set a good tone and the exercises were around communications and listening. Father Courtney said he felt good about the retreat also.

Lee Gaby announced that there will be a blood drive Monday at Emmanuel and encouraged all to donate. The Pere Bruno visit and luncheon were wonderful. There will be a dinner and auction at St. Gregory’s on November 8, 2003.

Father Courtney is actively seeking a new music director with lots of advertising. He developed a job description that Debbie has endorsed. He has asked Ron Bates, Carter Stanfield, Michael Brewer and Carol Winthrop to help him with the hiring of the new music director.

Kat Ballard announced that the 10th-12th grades have entered a Discernment Program and will be seeking different parishioners to come and speak to them.

Jay Shinn asked for prayer for his friend Bob Taylor.

DEVOTION FOR OCTOBER: Larry McLeod.

Father Courtney closed the meeting at 8:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Dee Forester

Secretary to the Vestry