APPROVED VESTRY MINUTES

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2004

THE MEETING HOUSE

VESTRY PRESENT: Terri Tillman, Naomi Norman, Lee Gaby, Lee Albright, Laura Cofer, Joe Napoli, Jay Shinn, David Kidd, David Woodruff, Butch Bush, Brian Tison and Allison Clements. Father Peter Courtney was on vacation.

OTHERS PRESENT: Mother Mandy Brady, John Ballard, Duncan Krause and Dee Forester.

PRAYER, PRAISE AND SONG

Laura Cofer, Jr. Warden, called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Mother Mandy led those present in prayer. Joe Napoli and Terri Tillman led in singing "Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee”.

DEVOTION

Lee Gaby presented the devotion titled "Paradox and Charity,” dedicated to Pooh and Piglet.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Brian Tison told the Vestry that he had prepared a survey for them to fill out later during the meeting relating to Stewardship and tithing.

Lee Gaby announced that Father Peter Courtney is on vacation.

Lee Gaby added the following two items to the agenda, a Welcome Committee report and a Pastoral Care report.

SPECIAL RECOGNITION FOR JOHN BALLARD, CAMP MIKELL BOARD

Laura Cofer introduced John Ballard as a new member of the Camp Mikell Board. John told the Vestry that he and his wife Kat ( Youth Ministry) met at Camp Mikell. He has been going to Camp Mikell since 1985 and served on the Master Planning Committee for Camp Mikell. He is honored to be on the Board and solicited input and comments from the Vestry. Allison Clements initiated a round of applause for John. Mother Mandy thanked John for taking on this important ministry.

WELCOME! COMMITTEE REPORT

Duncan Krause informed the Vestry of the formation and goal of the Welcome Committee. The goal is to do a better job identifying and welcoming newcomers, providing them with the information they need to learn who we are, integrating them into their parish home, and helping them plug into the ministries and programs at Emmanuel. The members of the Committee are: Mother Mandy, Erik Wells, Cindy McAlister, Duncan Krause, Katherine Byrne, Annette Mitchell, Curt Collier, John Ballard and Penny McLanahan. The Vestry thanked Duncan for his hard work.

FINANCE COMMISSION REPORT

Butch Bush brought to the Vestry a pledge analysis and worksheet for the 2005 budget. Pledge income for this year is ahead of the eight year curve. The Finance Commission is asking for a vote of confidence on the projected 2005 Budget base on a $30,000.00 deficit. Joe Napoli thanked Butch and the commission for their diligent work on the projected budget and their hard work throughout the year.

STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE REPORT

Brian Tison, Stewardship Chair, asked the Vestry to complete the Stewardship survey he had prepared and distributed. He reported that 154 units have pledged $316,534.00 as of 11/17/04. Of the 154 pledges 15 decreased their pledge, 53 increased, there were 18 new pledges and 68 unchanged. Brian asked for assistance in making calls to those who have not returned their pledge card. Brian plans to have an informative letter on Stewardship at the annual meeting and he will also have pledge cards to distribute. Brian plans to speak at all three services this Sunday. Naomi Norman will speak with him at the 8 a.m. service and Laura Cofer will speak with him at the 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. services. Brian thanked Karen Holland for her wonderful assistance during the Stewardship campaign. Brian closed with a prayer.

WORSHIP SERVICE STUDY GROUP REPORT

Joe Napoli has been working with the following committee: Naomi Norman, Susan White, Lisa Yarn, Andy Simmonds, Scott Shaw, Nancy Woodruff, Leslie Dehasethe, Agnes Parker, Elizabeth Curtis, Robin Bewley, Vince Howard and Peg Wood, to discuss a service schedule for Emmanuel Church. The Committee favored the following: 8:30 a.m. worship, 9:30 a.m. Christian Education and 10:30 a.m. worship. There will be a column in the Tower to inform the Parish of the discussion of the committee and a survey will be passed out at the Annual Meeting for the Parish to fill out. The Clergy would add services at Christmas and Easter to accommodate overflow worshipers.

PROPERTY USE MASTER PLAN COMMITTEE REPORT

Lee Gaby proposed a special session of the incoming and outgoing Vestry to familiarize the incoming Vestry members with progress on the plan. A date for the special session will be determined.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT

Lee Gaby reported that the Executive Committee will meet on December 6 and will decide property use. He reminded everyone that the Annual Meeting will be December 12 with the theme of Connect, Grow and Transform.

PASTORAL CARE COMMITTEE REPORT

Allison Clements announced that Ann Darby will be co-leader of the Stephen Ministry with Pat Oliff. At the present time there is one care recipient for each care giver.

PARISH LIFE COMMITTEE REPORT

Allison Clements reported that all is going well for the Day School and registration for next year will be in February with a tuition increase.

STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE

Brian Tison returned from reviewing the stewardship survey that the Vestry had filled out and reported that the survey showed that the Vestry is working toward tithing.

ACTION ITEMS

MINUTES OF OCTOBER 27,2004 VESTRY MEETING

Laura Cofer called for the question. Naomi Norman moved that the minutes be approved. Brian Tison seconded. The vote to accept the minutes was unanimous.

TENTATIVE 2005 BUDGET

David Woodruff stated he cannot vote for a negative budget but applauded the hard work of Butch and the Finance Commission. Butch suggested that a vote could be taken for Karen Holland, Director of Finance, to pay the bills as they come up while trying to balance the budget. Laura Cofer called for the vote on the recommendation by the Finance Commission to accept the 2005 proposed Budget. The vote was 3 in favor and 9 opposed. The 2004 Budget will be continued through the end of February.

Brian Tison made the motion to authorize, Karen Holland, Director of Finance, to continue to spend to meet financial responsibilities at a level to meet financial obligations necessary through February of 2005. Joe Napoli seconded. The vote was 11 in favor and 1 opposed. (Naomi Norman.)

VOLUNTEER FOR THE JANUARY DEVOTION

Laura Cofer

GOOD OF THE ORDER

Naomi Norman proudly announced that she has been dubbed the "Doughnut Dude”.

Laura Cofer offered congratulations to David Kidd on the election of his wife Jane Kidd to the State Senate.

Allison Clements congratulated Brian Kemp on his re-election.

Lee Gaby urged anyone who might be struggling with stewardship to take advantage of the availability of Father Courtney for counsel.

Terri Tillman announced that the Youth will participate in the 30 Hour Famine this week-end with St. Gregory’s with proceeds going to IHN.

Jay Shinn will provide a list of wishes and needs for the IHN.

Naomi Norman thanked the Vestry for her very pleasurable term on the Vestry.

Jay Shinn thanked the retiring Vestry members for their service.

Laura Cofer moved to adjourn. David Woodruff seconded. The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Dee Forester, Secretary to the Vestry