Emmanuel Episcopal Church
Approved Minutes of the Vestry Meeting
August 24, 2005
Present: Lee Gaby, Robin Krause, Amrey Harden, Hal Cofer, David Kidd, Lee Albright, Robin M. Bewley, Wren Howard, Brian Tison, Penny McLanahan, Allison Clements, Dave Woodruff, Butch Bush, Tom Odom, Jay Shinn
Guests: Christina Stanfield, Kathryn Woodruff
Meeting was called to order by Senior Warden Lee Gaby at 7:00 PM.
The devotional/Bible study (Romans 12:9-21) was led by Robin Krause.
Announcements:
Lee G. announced that Mother Mandy was at the Interim Rector Training Conference in Baltimore.
Brian said that the vestry members, as leaders in the church, should realize that it is “important to listen to each other and to try to understand each other.”
Lee G. suggested that the vestry members read Numbers 14:6-8 and to “live dreams.”
He recommended the book Restoring Ties that Bind. He also said that “we are embarking on a leadership role and we must support each other.”
Hal added that the 15 vestry members’ positive attitude will make a difference in the parish.
Approval of Agenda:
Two Action Items added:
Allison asked that Scott Goodwin’s salary raise be put on the agenda.
Brian asked the vestry members to make their pledges before the rest of the parish is asked to pledge.
Reports:
Finance Committee: Amrey Harden
Amrey distributed the Finance Committee report. The budget still has a shortfall of just under $51,000 although the July income was $2500. above previous month. The finance Committee asked the vestry to authorize $9000. overspending for the Associate Priest’s (Rev. Brittain) salary. This will take his salary through the end of the year if his position is needed that long.
Amrey moved that this amount be authorized. Passed.
Amrey announced that some commissions have spent over ½ of their budgets by June. Also over budget are printing, office supplies, ground maintenance, general maintenance and natural gas.
Lee A. said she wants commission chairs to be informed about the amount of money that is available. Butch suggested that chairs contact Karen.
Kat Ballard has resigned. Georgia Collier, Katie Lawrence, Anne Becker and Ellen Crowne will have temporary appointments to handle responsibilities for the Children and Youth Ministries. Budgeted funds will be used to pay Georgia and Katie ($15.00 per hour).
The vestry will wait until there is a new rector to approve a new youth director.
AGM: Tom Odom
No report.
Facilities Committee: Jay Shinn
Jay distributed the Facilities Committee Report. He discussed the problems with the Cobb House as presented in the report. There should be immediate bat removal and major repairs are needed because the house may collapse if they are not done.
Hal asked how the repairs would impact on the master plan.
Jay explained that the immediate repairs would not interfere with the long term plans and that repair permits are not as hard to get as ordinary permits for houses in the Historic District. One of the most crucial repairs is the roof which might involve restoration of the four chimneys. David K. recalled that they were leveled and covered over in the most recent roof repair.
The nave roof leak in the north transept has been repaired.
Marianne Parr of Classic Lights Art Glass will begin cleaning the inside of church’s stained glass windows in January.
Problems with the nave sound systems seem to stem mainly from operator error.
No report on Ministry Fair.
Stewardship Committee: Brian Tison
Brian announced that there are 7 members on the Stewardship Committee. 20 parishioners attended the committee meeting. There will be 3 letters to parish members: introductory, traditional and pledge. The pledges will have 2 cards: time and talent; treasure.
Calendar for “Count Your Blessings: A New Beginning” stewardship:
Sunday, August 14, Team Training w/ lunch
Sunday, August 21, Team Training w/ lunch
Sunday, August 28, Seed Packet Sunday
Sunday, September 11, Intro Letter for Campaign, Paper Money Sunday
Sunday, October 2, Pledge Card Mail out/Hoedown
Sunday, October 16, Celebration, Stewardship Sunday/ Visitation begins
Sunday, October 30, Pledge # given to Finance Committee
There will be visits by the Stewardship Committee to those who have not signed pledge cards. A training session will be held for those making visits.
Brian challenged the vestry to increase their pledges by 10%. He also asked vestry members to review the parish records and make corrections.
Parish Life Committee: Lee Albright
Lee distributed the Parish Life Committee report. Vestry nominating committee is an Action Item.
Hal suggested that Coffee Hour be at 9:15. Vestry agreed.
Property Use Master Plan Committee: David Kidd
David K. distributed the PUMP committee report.
Lee G. said that there might be a brainstorming session about the Cobb House with Athens Clarke Heritage Foundation.
David K. distributed a letter from the ACHF which voiced the Heritage’s opinions about removal of the cottages.
Lee G. announced that Alan Stovall was agreeable to the idea of having a committee work with the neighborhood association.
Jay suggested that Sean Hogan be involved in some way the Cobb House/ Pope Street Association.
Vestry agreed that Pope Street Association should write into its bylaws that a member of the PSA board should be either a vestry member or someone representing the vestry.
Jay moved
“To clarify the motion made reference a vestry seat on the Pope Street Association (PSA) board, the following is for the minutes:
”Whereas the Pope Street Association (PSA), representing the current users of the Cobb House, has agreed to reserve a seat on its Board of Directors designated specifically for a representative of Emmanuel Episcopal Church, and
Whereas such person is to be named by the Church,
Therefore Jay Shinn moved, and David Kidd seconded, that the Vestry reserve the privilege of appointing such person to the PSA board and that such person be a sitting Vestry member. Such person shall be appointed annually with no restriction on succession except expiration of Vestry term.”
Motion carried by voice vote with one abstention.
Executive Committee: Lee Gaby
Lee distributed the Executive Committee Report and addendum The addendum included Executive’s Committee discussion of the following:
Formation of a Rector Transition Committee
Financial Audit Update
Diocesan Council—submitted 7 names and check for $600.
Ministry Fair—Welcome Committee and Commission chairs are handling arrangements.
Vestry Election—task force including Bob Bowen and former tellers will be consulted to address issues.
Annual reports—Commission chairs are asked to have first drafts by October 23.
Parish Weekend--”Connect, Grow, Transform”
“Spiritual Formation Commission” is the proposed new name for the Education Commission.
Anti-Racism Training was very successful.
Young Life Proposal (later action item)
Jim Wahlers wants to know if the Vestry would consider allocating funds for IHN.
Endowment Board—Jack Coplin is resigning.
Action Items
Motion to approve June 22 minutes. Passed.
Lee A. submitted names for Vestry Nominating Committee:
Retiring Vestry: Hal Cofer, Lee Gaby, David Kidd, Jay Shinn; additional members: Susan Alexander, Anne Brightwell, Linda Dodson, Erwin Greene, and Heidi Simmons.
Approved.
Lee A. announced that volunteers and a team leader from the Vestry are needed for the Holy Cookers. Lee G. said he will be available after January.
David K. announced that the Outreach Committee proposed that Emmanuel become a sponsoring congregation for Samaritan Counseling Center at $3.00 per pledging unit. This would amount to approximately $750. per year.
David K. moved that Emmanuel become a member of Samaritan in January 2006 at $3.00 a pledging unit. Seconded. Passed
Allison and Wren discussed Scott Goodwin’s salary. Wren said that Scott is “grossly underpaid.” Wren moved that Scott’s salary be increased to $20,969. plus benefits per year, effective July 1, 2005. Brian seconded. Passed with one abstention.
Butch suggested that Scott’s job description be reviewed to ascertain if job should move from part time to full time.
Lee G. discussed Young Life’s proposal to rent 540 Prince Avenue. David W. is uncomfortable renting the building to someone who is not connected to the church. No action taken. Vestry may review the issue when it gets the new rector’s ideas about it.
Lee G. asked to combine action items “Rector Transition Committee and Parish Weekend Steering Committee.” Vestry approved plan to allow Executive Committee to appoint members of each committee.
No action taken on Joelsen Fund.
Cobb House Repairs Action Plan. Jay wants an architect’s report on how to proceed with plans and repairs. Brian moved to allot $1500. to get report from architect. Seconded. Passed by majority. 1 abstention.
Brian moved, Jay seconded that “It is resolved that vestry should return pledge cards by September 6 and should strive to increase pledges by at least 10%.” Passed 13-2.
David K. wants executive committee to repot on the use of $95,000. escrow account.
Good of the Order:
Jay announced that Jim Jacobson is resigning from the facilities committee because he is to have hip surgery September 15. Jay said that Jim’s contributions to the parish are invaluable and asked for suggestions for an appropriate tribute to Jim. Armey suggested that a contribution to Jim’s favorite charity might be appropriate. Jay will look into it.
Robin K. announced that
• the food inspectors gave 100 rating to Emmanuel’s kitchen.
• there a new planters in the stairwell.
• Laura Cofer will be the assistant teacher in Robin K’s day school class.
Penny would like committee reports before the day of the vestry meeting if possible.
Butch announced that sexton Denise’s power was cut off because she had no funds to keep it on. Eileen Sisley heard this and wrote a check for the past due amount.
Lee G. announced that “we have a wonderful staff.” He thanked Jay for taking over many duties during the time that both Lee and Mo. Mandy were away.
Meeting adjourned at 10 P.M.
Submitted by Clairelis Baxter, clerk of the vestry.
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