APPROVED VESTRY MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 2004

REALTY BUILDING

VESTRY PRESENT: Father Peter Courtney, Butch Bush, Larry McLeod, David Kidd, Lee Gaby, Brian Tison, David Woodruff, Allison Clements, Jay Shinn, David Gossett, Lee Albright, Terri Tillman and Joe Napoli. Debra Harden, Naomi Norman and Laura Cofer were absent.

OTHERS PRESENT: Norm Wood, Chair of the Endowment Fund, Johnny Terrell, Treasurer, Mother Mandy Brady and Dee Forester.

PRAYER, PRAISE AND SONG

Father Courtney opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. by leading those present in the Lord’s Prayer. Everyone sang the "Communion Hymn” scheduled to be included in this upcoming Sunday’s service.

DEVOTION

Larry McLeod gave the devotion focusing on the upcoming mandated diversity training.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Lee Gaby asked that Debra Harden and family be remembered in prayers. Debra is caring for her father who is in hospice. Prayers were asked for Naomi Norman who is traveling overseas.

Father Courtney presented those present with a copy of the booklet "A People Called Episcopalians” as a gift from him and recommended it as a good read.

RECTOR’S REPORT

There were no questions regarding the Rector’s report. Father Courtney welcomed Johnny Terrell, Treasurer.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Johnny Terrell told the Vestry that he feels blessed to be the Treasurer. His job is to sign checks written on the church account. He attends the Finance Committee meetings and feels that he is sometimes able to bring a different perspective to finances regarding the church and it’s business. He feels delighted that the church has been able to take advantage of the low interest rates when refinancing the mortgage. He praised the Finance Committee for their hard work and says they work very closely with the staff and clergy. Father Courtney initiated a round of applause for Johnny and his dedication to the church finances.

ENDOWMENT BOARD REPORT

Father Courtney welcomed Norman Wood, Chair of the Endowment Board. Norm handed out a portfolio summary of the Emmanuel parish Endowment/Rhodes/Williams and special funds report and a print out of the purpose and mission of the Endowment Board taken from the 2003 annual report. He welcomed questions from the Vestry. Norm stated that the board meets quarterly with a portfolio manager from Sun Trust Bank and Michael Jones from the money management firm of A. Montag and Associates. The Board hears the suggestions of the advisors and then the Board makes the decisions. Trustees are appointed by the Vestry and serve four year terms. Presently serving are: Norman J. Wood, Chair, Gene Weeks, B. Amrey Harden, Robert E. Gibson, John F. Coplin and James A. Bowers. Norm asked the Vestry to carefully choose those who are to serve as they need to have knowledge of stocks and bonds to make good decisions regarding the nearly 7 million dollars in trust. He thanked the Vestry for sending Gene Weeks to the Board. The trustees feel a great responsibility to the Church’s monies. There are no internal problems on the Board, none with the investment advisors and the deep audit two years ago showed no problems. Norm was thanked with a warm round of applause.

FINANCE COMMISSION REPORT

Butch Bush, Chair, reported that Emmanuel’s April operating statement reflects a lag of recordable contributions compared to the 2004 annual budget. However, he noted that expenses can be controlled. During the month of July the Commission will review and do a mid year 6 month analysis of revenues and expenses. He will present this to the Vestry at their August meeting.

FACILITIES COMMITTEE REPORT

Jay Shinn, Chair, compiled a lengthy written report of the May 14, 2004 church break-in and robbery. Damage is being repaired. The holes in the walls are patched but still need to be painted. Trees and shrubs have been trimmed to provide a sight line of the church from the Huddle House parking lot. A quote is being sought for a motion detector system covering the exterior of the buildings. Improvements in the iron bars across the Christian Connection stairwell leaded windows are in process. The Committee is investigating possibly providing decorative iron grillwork for office windows on theat side of the building. Jay noted that there have been a number of recent break-ins in the neighborhood. Father Courtney encouraged all Vestry members to obtain a key from Melissa Fulcher in order that they might gain access to the church at any time and act as host and hostesses to others. Melissa, her husband, sister and a friend were at the church soon after the break-in was discovered and efficiently cleaned and put things back in order. Larry McLeod thanked Jay for his hard work as Facilities chair.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT

Lee Gaby, Senior Warden, reported that the Executive Committee feels it important to move forward with the Property Use Master Plan Committee. A date will be set for a meeting. The Executive Committee will meet in June and July. There will be no July Vestry meeting. Lee Albright has offered her home for a Vestry and spouses social Wednesday, July 21, 2004. Lee Gaby reported that he and Duncan Krause are willing to lead an eleven week summer study program on the subject of congregational activation that would involve parish leaders studying the book Dry Bones Breathe! Lee distributed drafts of the format for Vestry members to study.

ACTION ITEMS

1. Minutes of the April 28 Vestry Meeting.

The minutes were unanimously approved with one correction noted by Mother Mandy Brady. An "h” was added to Sarah Fisher’s name.

2. Diocesan Council Delegates and Alternates

Jay Shinn proposed that the following be approved as Diocesan Council Delegates and Alternates: Clair Gaus, Wren Howard, Cindy McAlister, Lee Gaby, Terri Tillman, Bill Fox, Duncan Krause and Ron Bates. Brian Tison seconded the proposal. Father Courtney called for the question. The representatives were unanimously approved.

JUNE DEVOTION

Terri Tillman

FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER

Terri Tillman announced that there will be a car wash at the church tomorrow May 27th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. sponsored by the youth. Father Courtney suggested a $5.00 donation.

Dave Woodruff asked why a committee will be reviewing the worship regime for Fall. Father Courtney explained that for years there has been discussion about the possibility of having two rather than three worship services on Sunday. He has asked Joe Napoli, chair of the Worship Committee, to convene a small group to review pros and cons and report to the Vestry their discussions.

Lee Gaby thanked Terri Tillman for being team captain for Emmanuel Church for the recent "Relay for Life”.

Jim Wahlers will hold an "Interfaith Hospitality” meeting June 6th after the 10:00 a.m. service.

Agnes Parker is organizing a Funeral Committee.

Father Courtney will talk with Debra Harden about plans for a summer birthday party and recognition for Eileen Sisley.

Joe Napoli thanked everyone for their prayers for his mother who is recovering from surgery.

Terri Tillman gave thanks for Tom Evans who fixed the Tower bell.

Jay Shinn will be undergoing minor surgery and asked for prayers from the Vestry.

Terri Tillman encouraged everyone to wear their seatbelts. She lost a friend last week who had not been wearing his.

Father Courtney closed the meeting with a prayer at 8:55 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Dee Forester

Secretary to the Vestry