APPROVED VESTRY MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2003

540 PRINCE AVENUE

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

OTHERS PRESENT: Dee Forester.

VESTRY ABSENT: David Kidd (excused)

PRAYER, PRAISE AND SONG

Father Courtney opened the meeting with prayer at 7:00 p.m. He gave a brief history of Elizabeth of Hungary to recognize that today is the Feast of St. Elizabeth.

DEVOTION

Jay Shinn opened his devotion with a Samuel Johnson prayer and discussed the future and what it may bring.

FINANCE REPORT

Duncan Krause reviewed the Income and Expense reports for October. Pledges are up with the 7 year average at 74.3%. The Finance Committee recommended to the Vestry on behalf of the Day School Committee that they be allowed to purchase a new computer for $1700.00. The Day School has $75,000.00 in surplus. This recommendation needed no second and carried unanimously.

*Vote on Draft Budget.

Duncan reported on the corrections and changes in the Draft Budget since the October 29th Vestry meeting. Joe Napoli and Duncan expressed a hope to give the clergy and staff more than the 2.2% cost of living proposed. Father Courtney requested an additional five days leave time in lieu of the 2.2% increase. Duncan recommended trying to give Peter the 2.2% increase, as well as the additional leave time. The Finance Committee does not feel as comfortable with the proposed 2004 Budget as they did last year, due to the level of uncertainty surrounding the Stewardship Campaign. However, the proposed Budget does address the needs of the Parish and is a budget that can be worked with and adjusted later. Father Courtney called for the vote and the proposed 2004 Budget passed unanimously. Duncan was thanked for his good work and he, in turn, thanked Bob Wood for his assistance.

STEWARDSHIP

Duncan reported that Karen Holland had given him the figure of 150 pledges received totaling $330,000.00, to date.

BYLAWS STUDY REPORT

Lee Gaby reported that he and Naomi Norman had met and written a one line description of each committee. They are researching outside of Emmanuel for Bylaw samples and will talk with Bob Wood regarding history. Debra Harden thanked the Gaby/Norman team.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Peg Wood brought to the Vestry a written report from the AGM Committee. The committee has the money and has voted to purchase the antique sofa in the common room.

Cindy McAlister brought to the Vestry a written Pastoral Care Commission report.

Debra Harden asked for volunteers to help serve at the Annual Parish brunch to be held December 7, 2003 in the Common Room at 8:45 a.m. Laura Cofer, Naomi Norman and Carol Winthrop volunteered.

FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER

Cindy McAlister reminded the Vestry that a meeting to discuss Long Range Plans for Emmanuel will be held at 540 Prince Avenue at 7:00 p.m. on December 10, 2003. The ongoing Vestry members, retiring Vestry members and new Vestry members are invited to Peter and Debby’s for dinner at 6:30 p.m. on December 11, 2003.

The Creche Festival will be held December 13, 1-5p.m. and December 14, 9-1p.m. Set up will be on Friday December 12, between 3 and 8 p.m.

Cindy thanked Duncan, Carol and Peg for serving on the Vestry and gave them a token of thanks. Duncan stated that it was a pleasure and privilege to serve on the Vestry, that there is much work to be done and that the Vestry can disagree yet still get the work done. Cindy was thanked for her service on and to the Vestry, and applause approval was given by all present to the outgoing group of four.

Debra Harden will be having surgery on December 3, 2003 and asked to be remembered in prayers.

David Kidd is improving after his fall. Please keep him in your prayers.

DEVOTION FOR THE DECEMBER 10, 2003 VESTRY MEETING

Father Peter Courtney

Father Courtney closed the meeting with a prayer at 8:20 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Dee Forester

Secretary to the Vestry