Minutes of the Vestry Meeting

Emmanuel Episcopal Church

January 23, 2008

Present:  Gillian Ball, John Ballard, John Becker, Anne Brightwell, Katherine Byrne, Phillip Cofer, Bill Connerat, Erwin Greene, Matthew Hicks, Vince Howard, Robin Krause, Nancy McDuff, Naomi Norman, Betsy Turner, Father Robert, Mother Nancy.

Absent:  Lisa Yarn.      

The meeting was called to order at 7:03 pm by Father Robert.  The devotional was given by Robin Krause on the importance of prayer for vestries.

No additions were made to the agenda.

Commission Reports:

Reports were filed electronically or distributed at the meeting.  Father Robert asked for questions or clarifications needed for the reports submitted.  There were none.

Information Items:

Allen Stovall of the Architecture, Gifts, and Memorials Committee presented plans and possible designs for the new sign on the front lawn of the church.  Once the design ideas are approved by the Vestry, it should take 3-4 days for the graphic designer and 2-3 weeks for the ironworks.  Allen was thanked by the Vestry for his work.

Robin Krause reported that the Communications Committee is looking at Olan Mills for the production of the new parish directory.

Robin also distributed a list of the workshops to be presented at the Diocesan Ministry Fair, February 23 at the Cathedral beginning at 9 am.  Registration is $20 and Commission Chairs may look at their budgets if a potential attendee needs assistance with the fee.

Matthew Hicks asked the Vestry to consider whether we need to examine our Vestry election process.  It was decided to survey other parishes about their procedures.  It is hoped that those who are not elected as well as retiring Vestry members will be encouraged to become (or remain) involved in a committee or program.

Motion:  Gillian Ball moved that a committee of Vestry persons headed by Matthew investigate ways other parishes select the Vestry.   The motion was seconded and passed.  Gillian and Betsy will assist.

Gillian gave an update on stewardship, distributed the Vestry Stewardship Statement, the TENS newsletter, and a monthly giving percentage table. Pledges have not yet equaled the proposed 2008 budget.  The Vestry will call those who pledged in 2007 but not yet in 2008.  Calls should be made within the next week and results reported to Gillian.

Budget Review:

Naomi and Nancy reported that the proposed 2008 budget preliminarily approved in November was based on an expectation of $725,000 in pledges.  The Finance Committee has reworked the allocations, but any cuts must be made by the Vestry.  There is a significant increase in the operating budget allocated to Outreach (in addition to the amount from endowment).  The Vestry will look at the budget figures every month to monitor Emmanuel’s financial situation.

No Action:  The Vestry will wait until February 2008 to approve the final budget.

Commission chairs must get approval for any over-expenditures of the budget.

A list of the budget lines under each Commission (with the Chair’s responsibility) was distributed.

Junior Warden’s Report:

Katherine reported that that a pamphlet is being prepared for the parishioners, “How to Get Things Done at Emmanuel.”  Suggestions for the content are welcomed.

On February 20, the Vestry Holy Cooker Team will serve dinner.  It will be an event to “Burn the Mortgage.”  There will be no charge for the meal, but donations will be accepted for the youth missions.  RSVPs will be needed.

Senior Warden’s Report:

Naomi gave an update on the cottages.  Our attorney has recommended Emmanuel have title insurance.  The Vestry has previously voted to relinquish the properties.

The Vestry Forum on February 3, World Mission Sunday, will be Outreach.

Rector’s Report:

The installation of the 2008 Vestry will be Sunday, January 27, at the 8:30 and 10:30 services.

Terrie Seward will be the new chair of the Outreach Committee, officially named the Mission and Extended Ministries Committee, MEMC.

Point of Procedure:

Commission Reports sent to the Vestry before each Vestry meeting should also be sent to Lee Albright, clerk, who will send them to Bob Wood after the meeting for posting on the website.

Action Items:

Motion:  John Ballard moved to approve the Bylaws of the Emmanuel Parish Endowment Fund as revised.

Seconded and Approved.

Motion from Committee:  The “Mission Statement, Charge, Priorities, Structure and Resources for the Mission & Extended Ministries Committee” was presented from the Ad Hoc Outreach Planning Committee.

Approved.

Notes:

The devotional will be given by Betsy in February and Father Robert will lead the quarterly Bible Study in March.

Good of the Order:

The move to the Youth Center has begun.  It is hoped to be completed by February 10.

The meeting was closed with a prayer by Father Robert from Prayers from the Ark and adjourned.

Next Meeting:  February 27, 2008, 7 pm.

Submitted by Lee Albright, Clerk of the Vestry – 2-16-08

Approved by: Gillian Ball, John Ballard, John Becker, Anne Brightwell, Katherine Byrne, Phillip Cofer, Bill Connerat, Erwin Greene, Matthew Hicks, Vince Howard, Robin Krause, Nancy McDuff, Naomi Norman, Betsy Turner, Lisa Yarn