MOTHER MANDY BRADY, PRESIDING

Mother Mandy opened the meeting by leading the congregation in Hymn 473 and in prayer.

ELECTION OF SECRETARY

Clairelis Baxter was elected by acclamation to serve as secretary.

ELECTION OF TELLERS

Bob Bowen, Head Teller, introduced the following tellers: Sandy Jarrett, Stephani Foss, Vince Howard, Scott Shaw, Keith Dix, Gordon Maner, Evelyn Pound.

Bob Bowen explained that 5 Vestry members will be elected from the slate. In case of a tie, there will be a runoff. Any ballot which has more or fewer than 5 votes will be disqualified.

VESTRY NOMINATING COMMITTEE CHAIR

Chair Heidi Simmons introduced the members of the nominating committee: outgoing Vestry members Hal Cofer, Lee Gaby, David Kidd, and Jay Shinn; other committee members were Susan Alexander, Ann Brightwell, Linda Dodson, Erwin Greene.

Heidi reviewed the process for choosing the nominees. She said that there were many qualified parishioners who were suggested and that the committee chose the following:

Gillian Ball, John Ballard, Katherine Byrne, Keith Crowne, Ann Darby, Rustin McAlister, Johnny Terrell, Betsy Turner. Robin Krause, who filled unexpired Larry McLeod’s seat, was nominated to succeed herself.

There were no nominations from the floor.

It was moved and seconded to accept the nominations.

Ballots were distributed.

PRIEST IN CHARGE REPORT

Mother Mandy thanked the community for “coming a long way together,” a process which reflected “the fruits of faithfulness and charity.”

She reviewed some of the events of the past year:

• In May 35 men went to Camp Mikell for a retreat which was led by Jon Appleton.

• In the fall a “hoedown/barbecue” had 180 attendees.

• The strong sense of community is evidenced by the parish’s participation outreach ministries including the Interfaith Hospitality Network.

• The parish served 575 meals on Thanksgiving.

• A group of parishioners—and a fully loaded truck—went to the Gulf to help with Hurricane relief.

She also congratulated the parishioners’ increased outreach commitments to the sick, the bereaved, and the children, and she praised those who serve in many ways.

Mother Mandy predicted that there will be an exciting year ahead because of the many ministries and invited everyone to a renewed commitment.

RECTOR NOMINATING COMMITTEE

Naomi Norman, chair of the Nominating Committee, praised the committee for their hard work in finding a rector. The members are

Peggy Allen, John Becker, Jeanette Bowers, Ann Cabaniss, Hal Cofer, Walter Jarrett, Horace Newcomb Naomi Norman, Chair, Jay Staines, Lee Gaby, ex-officio. She said that Bishop Alexander, Canon Holloway and Mother Mandy have been most helpful to the committee.

She reported that the Parish Profile had been sent to many priests and 30 replied.

The committee reviewed the inquiries and had 15 telephone interviews, which included men and women and in-state and out of state priests.

The committee visited approximately half of those and invited 7 “varied and wonderful” priests to visit here.

They hope to deliver 3 or 4 names to the Vestry in January.

Naomi thanked the parish for its support and prayers.

WELCOME COMMITTEE REPORT: KIM RIPPS

• Kim Ripps announced that there will be a new picture directory in the spring. She asked all parishioners to have their pictures taken in January. These pictures will be on a designated digital camera so that the directory can be updated.

• She asked that all those attending Sunday worship services sign the registry which is at the end of the pew and pass it down so that people will become acquainted with each other.

• She said that there is improved signage outside the church.

• Last year 130 new people signed the register.

• There are now greeters at the services; Kim asked for more volunteers who will greet worshipers on Sunday and who will welcome new members via phone. She said, “Everyone should be on the welcome committee.”

The congregation sang Hymn 522.

FINANCE COMMISSION REPORT: BUTCH BUSH

Butch introduced Amrey Harden, Finance Committee Chair. He thanked the members of the Finance Committee for their hard work.

The 2006 budget was distributed as part of the Annual Report.

Butch announced that

• For the last 4 years there was a budget shortfall.

• In 2005 the shortfall was approximately $56,000., which was taken from the surplus.

• If the trend continues, the surplus will be exhausted in 2006.

• Most expenses such as salaries, utilities and maintenance are “pretty much set.”

Butch explained that the church has a $7,000,000. endowment fund, but it is restricted to endowments.

He encouraged everyone to review their own pledges.

He called for volunteers for the Finance Committee.

REPORT OF STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE: CINDY MCALISTER

Cindy thanked the Stewardship Committee for their hard work. She announced that

• As of December 9, there have been 237 pledges for $512,000.

• A breakdown of pledges is on the purple sheet in the annual report.

• 175 parishioners have not yet pledged.

• The parish cannot rely on past gifts for operating expenses.

• There will be shortfall of $230,000. in 2007 if pledges are not increased.

• “if we give in proportion to what we have we would be able to make expenses.”

Cindy reminded everyone that “stewardship acknowledges that everything we have is from God.” She asked congregation to fill out the time and talent sheets and to contact Karen Holland if they want to make or revise pledges. Pledge cards were made available at the annual meeting.

Bob Bowen announced the Vestry election results:

Betsy Turner and Ann Darby were tied, and ballots were distributed for the run-off.

INTERFAITH HOSPITALITY NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENT: BOB BOWEN

Bob reported on his positive experiences with IHN and said that the parish is short on volunteers for the program. He asked for at least 25 additional volunteers to serve approximately 4 or 5 hours 4 times a year.

SENIOR WARDEN’S REPORT: LEE GABY

Lee introduced Duncan Krause who explained the “Dry Bones Breathe” (quote from Ezekiel) program. The Tower will contain an update.

Lee encouraged all to read the annual report which highlights parish activities. He thanked

• those who helped in the parish and who often are not recognized.

• His parents and his family for their encouragement

• Junior Warden Jay Shinn and all the other Vestry members for their hard work. He said that they “made a great team.”

Jay Shinn said that “has been an honor to serve this community.” He thanked Lee for his wonderful leadership, and then thanked Mother Mandy, who received a standing ovation.

Mother Mandy thanked Bob for his work as head teller.

She presented thanks and gifts to the outgoing Vestry members: Lee Gaby, Jay Shinn, Robin Krause, David Kidd and Hal Cofer.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:15.

Submitted by Clairelis Baxter, secretary to the Vestry.