7:00 p.m., 540 Prince Building

Present: Gillian Ball, John Ballard, John Becker, Robin Bewley, Katherine Byrne, Philip Cofer, Bill Connerat, Erwin Greene, Amrey Harden, Wren Howard, Robin Krause, Naomi Norman, Penny McLanahan, Tom Odom, Fr. Robert Salamone, Betsy Turner.

Guests: David Wagner

Observers: Lee Gaby

 Additions to the Agenda:

# Erwin Greene requested funds for the Welcome Matters luncheon.

# Minutes of June meeting were approved electronically on July 3, 2007 

Information Items

1. Outreach Restructure/Survey

Naomi Norman reported that a draft of Outreach Survey II will be emailed to vestry members for review and suggestions. Feedback is needed concerning what should be accomplished at the Outreach Summit, which will be held Sept. 16 following the 10:30 service, so that planning can be completed. The theme will be Dreams and Aspirations for Outreach; boards will be set up around the church for suggestions, and small groups will work to prioritize goals in different categories. It is hoped that the restructuring plan will be ready by Jan. 1. On Aug. 5, Outreach Forum #2, the results of the first outreach survey will be presented.

2. Pope Street Association

John Ballard reported that Bill Mundy, president of the Pope Street Association, said that AA is in the process of finding new locations for meetings after they vacate the Cobb House, which they plan to do on Aug. 13. Some funds from the sale of the Cobb House will be available to help AA find a permanent location. The vestry is invited to a barbecue sponsored by the Pope Street Association on Aug. 11. Also in relation to the Pope Street Association, Lee Shearer from the Athens Banner-Herald has been in touch with senior warden Robin Bewley for a story concerning the sale of the Cobb House and the future location of AA and Al-Anon meetings.

3. Stewardship Update

The vestry will be given pledge cards at the August 22nd meeting to be filled out & turned in that evening. On September 9th, Diocesan consultant, Mal Underwood, is coming to lead Adult Ed. at 9:30, and the homily at both services. In addition, all involved (vestry, facilitators, hosts, stewardship committee, etc.) in the Neighborhood Meeting Commitment Program for 2007-2008 will be commissioned before the church during the 10:30 service. On September 23rd the stewardship committee is asking the vestry to stand before the congregation and reaffirm their stewardship statement.

4. CASA/ALT

Each vestry member received a CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates) brochure. Naomi Norman reported that CASA is prepared to accept one of the Pope Street cottages and that the ALT (Athens Land Trust) is ready to begin working on a formal agreement for the second. Emmanuel will retain the right of first refusal should either agency decide to sell its property. A subcommittee including Tom Odom, John Becker, Naomi Norman and Fr. Robert will work with Nancy Stangle of ALT.

5. Youth Minister/Formation

Wren Howard introduced David Wagner, new director of youth ministry. Katherine Byrne reported that four candidates are being interviewed for the Christian Formation position.

Senior Warden’s Report

Robin Bewley announced that Bishop Alexander will be at Emmanuel on Aug. 12 for confirmation and the dedication and blessing of the atrium. He has reserved the right to meet with the vestry. A light catered luncheon will be held in the parlor for the bishop, clergy and vestry members.

Plans for upcoming Forums, usually held the first Sunday of the month, include Outreach Forum #2, August; presentation of vestry and ministries bylaws and organizational chart, October; and council preview and presentation of vestry slate, November. No forum scheduled the first Sunday in September, which is Labor Day weekend, but Outreach Summit set for Sept. 16.

There is a need to finalize a nominating committee for candidates to replace the five retiring vestry members, who will serve on the committee along with four others from the congregation. A sheet was passed for members to suggest nominating committee members. The slate will be presented in November with election in December.

Rector’s Report

The Institute for Ministry and Theological Education of the Diocese of Atlanta will sponsor “Imagining the World that Scripture Imagines” presented by Dr. Luke Timothy Johnson on Sept. 29. Registration forms and worksheets are available.

Asset Mapping for Vestry Positions

Later in the meeting, Fr. Robert conducted an exercise designed to analyze the strengths of the current vestry and give direction concerning skills to consider for five new vestry members. Members were asked to write one word descriptions of the gifts/talents that he or she brings to the vestry. When these were compiled, strengths included: honest, loving, fun, thoughtful, spiritual, rational gifts and helpful. It was determined that qualities one could associate with possible candidates that had not been noted included servant, leader, humble, intentional.

The second round involved vestry members saying what they like to do and feel they do well. The third round involved what no one knows you care about in regard to the church and its work. The list included liturgical tradition, value of music, music in service, singing in church and choir, ministry for young children, interior design/cleaning, beauty of church, sanctuary, history and tradition, veterans benefits, healing, children and elderly, visiting elderly sick people, incredible youth program.

With five vestry members retiring, it is important to know what gifts are needed to give the best service. It was determined that elements to look for include: legal expertise, financial/business expertise, project management, rationality, knowledge of architecture and space planning, facilities management, college/young adult representation, bridge builder, spiritually grounded (should be all vestry members), unifiers (not dividers), non-agenda persons.

This information will be given to the nominating committee.

Action Items

# Outreach Summit

Naomi Norman made the motion that $950 be allocated for Outreach Summit expenses.

Motion carried.

# Diocesan Council

Robin Bewley made the motion that five delegates--Bill Connerat, John Ballard, Ann Brightwell and Blue Wood and alternate Betsy Turner--be named Emmanuel’s representatives to the diocesan council Nov. 15, 16, 17. Slate accepted.

# Finance

Amrey Harden said that Emmanuel's required pledge to the diocese for 2007 is approximately $57,000 but Emmanuel has given $60,626. Robin Bewley made the motion to set Emmanuel's contribution for 2008 at $62,413, which would put it among the highest contributors in the diocese. August 15 is the deadline for a commitment. Motion carried. 

# Welcome Matters

Erwin Greene made a motion that $300 be allocated for an Oct. 14 luncheon for welcome committee volunteers. The purpose it to re-energize and reintroduce the work of the committee. Motion carried. Action: The money will be taken from the Parish Life budget.

# Endowment Fund Mission Statement

Fr. Robert presented the new mission statement of the endowment fund: “The Emmanuel Parish Endowment Fund Inc. established by the vestry carefully and diligently administers and manages the endowment fund to maximize the assets for the work and mission of the church.

Betsy Turner moved that it be accepted. After discussion, it was amended to “maximize the income-producing assets for the work and mission of the church.” Motion passed with the statement as amended

Revised bylaws for the endowment fund were distributed; old bylaws written in 1944. Vestry members should review with action to be taken at the August meeting.

Good of the Order

Robin Bewley: Youth who went on Mexico mission trip will make a presentation July 29.

Fr. Robert: Floors in office and vestibule being refinished; stall being redone in ladies bathroom (behind stage in Common Room); atrium is finished.

Meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m.

August devotional: Philip

Next regular vestry meeting is August 22, 2007, 7:00 p.m. in 540 Prince Building

 Elaine Kalber

Substitute for Clairelis Baxter, Clerk

Approved electronically by: Robin Bewley, Amrey Harden, Wren Howard, Penny McClanahan, Gillian Ball, John Ballard, Katherine Byrne, Robin Krause, Betsy Turner, John Becker, Bill Connerat, Phil Cofer, Erwin Greene, Naomi Norman

August 10, 2007 rrk