ANNUAL PARISH MEETING

DECEMBER 12, 2004

FATHER PETER COURTNEY, PRESIDING

Father Courtney opened the meeting at 9:45 a.m. with a prayer. He welcomed everyone to the Annual Parish Meeting.

ELECTION OF SECRETARY

Dee Forester was unanimously elected to serve as secretary.

ELECTION OF TELLERS

Bob Bowen, Head Teller, introduced the following tellers: Harry Yates, Rustin McAlister, Bob Gregory, Suzanne Bennett, Gloria Sams and Grace Gaby.

VESTRY NOMINATING COMMITTEE CHAIR

Debra Harden, Chair, reviewed the process of the Nominating Committee. She reported that fifty-two names were submitted to the Committee as nominees. Those serving on the Committee with Debra were: David Gossett, Joe Napoli, Naomi Norman, Terri Tillman, Debra Lassiter, Bob Wood, Wally Eberhard and Susan White. The Nominating Committee recommends the following slate of nine candidates: Robin Bewley, Labau Bryan, B.Amery Harden, Wren Howard, Robin Krause, Penny McLanahan, Tom Odom, Diane Whalers and Larry White. Father Courtney opened the floor for other nominations. Walter Jarrett nominated Hal Cofer and Mark Stewart seconded the nomination. There were no other nominations. The nominees came forward and were introduced.

Father Courtney asked that the Parish vote for six Vestry members due to the death of Larry McLeod last week. The nominee with the sixth highest vote count would fill Larry’s unexpired term for one year. The floor was opened for discussion. If the parish through their vote do not decide who will fill the sixth spot on the Vestry, the Vestry will make the decision at their next meeting. Robert Gibson made the motion that the candidate with the sixth highest vote count fill the unexpired term of Larry McLeod. Gary Shattuck seconded. The vote was taken and the Parish determined to accept the candidate with the sixth highest vote count to fill the term.

Bob Bowen, Head Teller, instructed the Parish to vote for six candidates and instructed everyone to write Hal Cofer on the ballots that the tellers were distributing. The polls were closed.

RECTOR’S REPORT

There was no Rector’s report.

WORSHIP STUDY COMMITTEE REPORT-JOE NAPOLI

Joe Napoli reported that a Committee has been formed to determine the pleasure of the Parish regarding worship services and times for the services. He distributed a survey to get feedback from the Parish regarding their wishes regarding services and times.

DRY BONES BREATHE STUDY CIRCLE REPORT-PENNY McLANAHAN and BUTCH BUSH

Penny McLanahan and Butch Bush reported that a group has been meeting and studying "Dry Bones Breathe” a book to help determine what is best for Emmanuel Church. Boxes and suggestion cards will be placed around the church and the Parish is urged to write resolutions for what they want to see the church become.

INTERFAITH HOSPITALITY NETWORK COMMITTEE REPORT-JIM WAHLERS

Jim Wahlers,IHN board member and treasurer, spoke to the Parish about this new mission. Emmanuel will be hosting two families being served by IHN beginning tonight for one week.

This is an opportunity for everyone to become involved. Jay Shinn enthusiastically endorsed Jim’s passion for this mission.

WELCOME GROUP TRAINING REPORT-DUNCAN KRAUSE

Duncan Krause spoke to the Parish about the Welcome Group that Mother Mandy Brady approached him about joining. The group is studying tools and techniques to make those attending Emmanuel Church feel welcome. They have integrated a map of the campus in the service bulletin and are working with the AGM Committee regarding new signs to direct people around the campus. After the first of the year there will be additional color coded campus maps. They will initiate visitor registers that will pass the length of the pews and help those on each pew to get to know each other by name. They plan to initiate a group of greeters who will be trained. The pew registers will give a system to track how the church follows up on visitors. Duncan was thanked for this very well thought out plan for welcoming people to Emmanuel Church.

ANNUAL REPORT-LEE GABY

Lee Gaby, Senior Warden, thanked those who helped with the annual report and thanked Terri Tillman and Hal Cofer for the design changes.

Lee thanked the nine Commission Chairs who all contributed to the report.

Lee gave thanks to Bill Hicks for the Thanksgiving dinner that was hosted at Emmanuel.

Lee asked for a round of applause for the Christian Education teachers, children and choirs.

Lee offered his gratitude for the wonderful staff and clergy.

Prayers were asked for Mother Mandy and her mother Amanda who will be having surgery December 20th.

Prayers were asked for Sarah Fisher who will be ordained December

Lee thanked those who had provided the beautiful brunch prior to the Annual meeting.

Lee gave thanks for Peter and Mandy and stated that he had a wonderful year of spiritual growth.

Lee thanked Laura Cofer, Junior Warden, for her support and working together as a team with him.

Lee thanked the retiring Vestry for their Service.

Lee opened the floor for questions about the Annual Report. There were no questions.

STEWARDSHIP-BRIAN TISON

Brian Tison, Stewardship Chair, reported that 208 pledging units have pledged $450,994.00 leaving a shortfall of $79,000.00 to meet the budget. He urged the Parish to dig deeper to meet this shortfall.

PROTECTING YOUR CHURCH- CHAPTER 21-HAL COFER

Hal Cofer urged the Parish to read Protecting Your Church, Chapter 21. The information was put together by Lee Gaby.

ELECTION RESULTS

Bob Bowen, Head Teller, returned with the following results. Those elected to serve 3 year terms are: Robin Bewley, Amery Harden, Wren Howard, Penny McLanahan and Tom Odom. Robin Krause was elected to serve the 1 year unexpired term of Larry McLeod.

Father Courtney adjourned the meeting and invited everyone to stay for the worship service.

Respectfully submitted,

Dee Forester

Secretary to the Vestry