Emmanuel Episcopal Church

Absent:         Bill Connerat (out of town)

Observers:  America Abbot, parishioner

Guests:         Athens Land Trust staff: Heather Benham, Housing Project Director, and Nancy Stangle, Development Director; Kristy and Mike Todd, Builders

Emmanuel Endowment Board members: Mike Fitzgerald, Jim Bowers, Gene Weeks, Norm Wood

[Minutes from the last regular vestry meeting, April 25, 2007, were approved by members on May 7, 2007, via email.]

Father Robert called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.

Devotion: Gillian gave the devotional based on the Two Seas Analogy in the Holy Land:  one gives life and one is dead.  Our church has choices of giving life and continuing to thrive or being dead and stagnant.

Additions to the Agenda: none

Commission Reports: Reports were submitted by email.  Several reports will come later.

Presentation by Athens Land Trust: Naomi introduced representatives from Athens Land Trust who are interested in acquiring one or two of Emmanuel’s cottages.  Nancy Stangel  said the primary goal of the Trust was to help provide home ownership to those who rent and ordinarily cannot afford to buy.  The Trust is also looking for a permanent home for their office [the “Meeting House” cottage].

Builder Mike Todd explained the process of renovating the cottages and the federal tax advantages and credits  that could accompany the renovations.  The permit could take up to six months.

Amrey asked if the Trust gets ownership of the cottages, would it give Emmanuel the right of  first refusal, if the Trust decides to sell the property.  The answer was yes. There is no decision yet whether the Trust would want the land in addition to the cottages. They are open to land options.

Any restrictions would be written into the deed.

Discussion with Emmanuel Endowment Board Members: Robin B. welcomed members of the Emmanuel Endowment Board who were in attendance. Mike Fitzgerald presented an overview of the board and its mission: the board is trying to find its identity, the corporate seal has been updated, by-laws are being updated, connecting with Vestry is a  high priority, and asks for Vestry’s prayers.  Jim Bowers gave the history of the board whose endowment has grown from $25,000 in 1944 to the present amount of $8 M, which includes the $3 M gift from Ms. Williams and Ms. Rhodes.  The endowment includes four separate funds. If the vestry decides on a way for planned giving, the endowment board will be happy to help set it up.

Information Items:

1)         Robin B. said that the final interviews for the Youth Minister position are over.

2)         Emmanuel’s YAC mission trip (June 3-8) will be to Juarez, Mexico, instead of Honduras.

3)         Cottage Committee Update:  Tom announced that the diocese has given permission to sell the Cobb House.

4)         Thrift House: Tom presented a letter from the Thrift House asking that the monthly rent be reduced from $1000 to $500.

 MOTION: After discussion, Phillip moved that Due to budgetary restraints, the vestry declines the Thrift House’s request for rent reduction at this time.  The Thrift House may  resubmit their request for budgetary consideration review in September in time for consideration for the 2008  budget. Seconded. Motion carried.

ACTION: Tom will communicate the decision to the Thrift House.

5)         AGM:  Prior to the meeting Tom electronically distributed the past Mission and Operating Procedures, and Overview Information [with new proposals] for Vestry Consideration. Tom proposed that the AGM committee be streamlined and establish a Gifts and Memorials ad hoc committee rather than a standing committee. Currently Emmanuel’s Director of Finance, Karen Holland, handles the memorials and gifts under Father Robert’s guidance.   He also proposed that ideally meetings would be quarterly rather than monthly. Members serve a single three- year term. The vestry has the responsibility for the architecture outside the church. This will come up for approval at a later date.

6)         Outreach Summit Report: Naomi stated there will be two parish-wide outreach forums this summer (tentative dates are June 24 and July 29) in order to educate ourselves on Emmanuel’s current outreach activities and framework. The target date for the results will be in early September at the Outreach Summit.

Senior Warden’s  Report:  No report

Rector’s  Report:

Five delegates and alternates will be selected to the 2007 Diocesan Council.

The nominating committee for next year’s vestry vacancies should be selected earlier than has been done previously.

Katie and Jess Lawrence are moving;  their last Sunday in church will be June 3.  Robert recommended giving them a parting gift.

Robert would like to start Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, a faith formation program that will benefit the young children of the parish.  There are several certified catechists in the church.  Robert would like to use from of the music center for the “atrium” for the program and have it renovated in time for Bishop   visit in August.  He asked for $2500.00 for furniture.

MOTION: Betsy moved that $2500 be allotted to buy children’s furniture for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd’s atrium.  Seconded.  Motion carried.

ACTION: Jackie Anderson (Interim Director of Christian Formation) will order the furniture.

MOTION: Betsy moved that the parish gift to the Lawrences be $500.  Seconded. Motion carried.

ACTION: Robert will handle this will Karen.

Father Robert said that there will be a special blessing at the 10:30 service on June 3 for the Lawrences, as well as the family of Vanessa and Todd Beasley who are also moving.

Good of the Order:

John Ballard:  Camp Mikell  attendance is up.

Robert:  Thanked Robin K. for her work in the day school.  She is leaving to go to nursing school

Robin K:  Congratulations to Trey Hardin on his graduation. Also, asked for vestry approval to nominate Vince Howard for the St. George Award of the Episcopal Church for his work with youth in our church and through the Boy Scouts.

Erwin asked prayers for a co-worker who is having difficulties in his life.

Robert congratulated Robin K. and Wren for being accepted in nursing school.

The meeting was adjourned around 9:00 PM for a post-meeting  session about the effects of vestry interaction.  Father Robert referred to a book by Edwin Friedman and a video.

Submitted by Clairelis Baxter, secretary/clerk of the vestry.

Next regular vestry meeting:      Wednesday, June 27, 2007, 7:00 PM, 540 Prince Bldg

Special vestry work retreat:       Sunday, June 3, 2007, 1-5 PM, 540 Prince Bldg

Next Sunday Vestry Forum:      Sunday, June 3, 2007, 9:30 AM, Common Room

Topic: The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, J Anderson; Prayer Shawl knitting program; questions for the Rector

Minutes approved: Amrey Harden, Wren Howard, Penny McClanahan, Tom Odom, John Ballard, Katherine Byrne, Robin Krause, John Becker, Phil Cofer, Erwin Green, & Naomi Norman

Robin Krause, 6/4/07