Emmanuel Church Vestry Minutes, November 15, 2006
Present: Robin Krause, Butch Bush, Lee Albright, Katherine Byrne, Allison Clements, Dave Woodruff, Father Robert, Brian Tison, Tom Odom, Robin Bewley, Wren Howard, Penny McLanahan, Betsy Turner, Mo Mandy, Amrey Harden, John Ballard
Absent: Gillian Ball
Guests: Duncan Krause, Lee Gaby
Tom Odom gave the devotional based on Chronicles “Sing Praises to the Lord” and Psalm 95. He played several hymns on cd’s and urged the vestry to sing praises and to value music.
Addition to agenda items: Addition to the budget
PUMP Committee Report:
Duncan Krause presented the result of Emmanuel’s appeal to the County Commission about the relocation of the cottages. The Commission denied to the appeal 7-1 because they felt that it was an issue of law.
Lee thanked Fr. Robert for “being there.” He reported that a lot of neighbors were also present.
Duncan thanked the vestry for their unwavering support and said the issue is now in God’s hand. The parish must now go forward.
The PUMP Committee did not think there should be winners and losers in the issue.
Lee believes that there is a communication challenge ahead and feels that “that there are amazing things ahead of us.”
Both Duncan and Lee think that “there is a hiatus before us.”
Robin B. thanked Lee and Duncan and the committee for their hard work. She said that Bob Wood will settle the financial obligations and that Matthew Hicks and Jim Warnes need to be thanked for their efforts.
Committee Reports: Received electronically.
The Diocesan Ministry Fair will be February 24 at the Cathedral.
Rector’s Report:
Father Robert reported about the Diocesan Council.
There were three talks a day and there were “lovely liturgies.”
The diocesan budget is “looking better.”
Emmanuel’s annual report is done and will be distributed on Sunday, November 18.
Fr. Robert gave a synopsis of his December The Tower article.
The pamphlet Day by Day will no longer be mailed but from now on can be picked up at the church. Emmanuel will also provide liturgical calendars to parishioners.
Annual Meeting: Father Robert:
The outgoing vestry class will be tellers.
The names of the nominees will be read aloud.
The top 5 vote getters will be the new vestry members.
The names on the ballots will be staggered, not in alphabetical order.
Nominations from the floor will have to have been previously accepted by the nominees.
These nominees must meet the criteria in the Canons.
Next year, voters will have to register.
Action Items:
Budget: Amrey
Amrey has sent out the tentative budget to the vestry via e-mail.
He gave credit to the parish for the pledges which will make a balanced budget: $638,000 through November 15, 2006 (compared to $536,000.00 for all of 2005).
All requests from commissions and committees have been put into the budget.
Amrey did consult with Fr. Robert about budgeted amounts for staff, Christian Formation, Youth, IHN (part of Outreach) and Diocesan Council. The total budget including the endowment fund is $1,031,055.00.
Amrey thanked Bob Wood, Dave W. and Butch and the entire Finance Committee for their work on the budget.
The tentative budget was approved by the vestry.
Other financial issues: Amrey
Amrey suggested that some money market accounts be collapsed:
1. $24.00 remaining from crèche festival should to be added to fund for the baptismal banner.
2. $3612.05, remaining for scholarships given by Peg Wood in memory of her daughter Julie Hendricks, should be moved from the general money market account into the Day School account for scholarships.
3. The name “Rector’s Money Fund” should be changed to “Sabbatical fund.”
Vestry unanimously approved.
There was a discussion of parish funds and outreach.
Fr. Robert said, “We have not tapped the potentional. It means a lot for people to see the funds.”
David believes that “we are essentially in a good position.”
Butch asked if it is possible to borrow from the Endowment Fund to pay back the parish loan that is outstanding to SunTrust.
Father Robert believes the vestry should control funds and that there could be an intelligent conversation about who should control the Endowment Fund.
Fr. Robert said that at some point the parish has to live in faith and give some funds away. Lee said that there are many groups who do a lot for outreach.
Fr. Robert also believes that the parish should have a work day and that there should be a committee to organize and host funeral receptions. Everyone should be involved.
The vestry slate for next year is
Sara Baker, John Becker, Phillip Cofer, Bill Connerat, Ann Darby, Erwin Greene, Naomi Norman, Terrie Seward, Erik Wells, Mark Wheeler.
The Nominating Committee was composed of parish representatives Georgia Collier, Matt Humphrey, Cindy McAlister, Beverly Sligh and Allen Stovall and retiring vestry members Lee, Butch, Allison, Brian and David.
Good of the Order
Amrey and family will help with Thanksgiving dinner.
John said that IHN is going well.
David said that “We are glad to have Allison back.” He is looking forward to Thanksgiving.
Robin B. asked for help and for donated turkey breasts for the meal Emmanuel hosts for the community on Thanksgiving.
Fr. Robert praised the children’s singing during the Sunday service.
Wren asked that vestry members return the minutes two different times:
1)corrected 2)approved.
David praised the jazz program and brunch given by the youth.
November 18: Workshop meeting for vestry.
December 13: Hail and Farewell meeting for vestry.
Fr. Robert closed meeting with a prayer at 9:15.
Submitted by Clairelis Baxter, clerk of the vestry
November 21, 2006
Approved December 2006 by: Lee Albright, Tom Odom, Brian Tison, Betsy Turner, Katherine Byrne, Allison Clements, Robin Bewley, John Ballard, Amrey Hardin, David Woodruff, Penny McLanahan, Wren Howard, Butch Bush, Robin Krause
Abstentions: Gillian Ball
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