Minutes of the Vestry Meeting, July 23, 2008Emmanuel Episcopal Church July 23, 2008 Present: Gillian Ball, John Becker, Anne Brightwell, Katherine Byrne, Phillip Cofer, Bill Connerat, Erwin Greene, Matthew Hicks, Vince Howard, Nancy McDuff, Naomi Norman, Betsy Turner, Lisa Yarn, Father Robert Salamone. Absent: John Ballard, Robin Krause Visitor: Allen Stovall Devotional: Gillian Ball The vestry met at 6:15 p.m. to tour First Methodist Church facilities and then gathered at the Morton Theatre for dinner with the meeting called to order by Father Robert at 8 p.m.
Commission and Committee Reports
Sign Proposals: Erwin Greene, John Becker and Alan Stovall provided drawings of four sign designs, selected from eight proposals, for the vestry to consider. All included stone and the Episcopal shield.
MEMC (Mission and Extended Ministries Commission) Grant Proposals: Lisa Yarn and Vince Howard presented the recommendations of the committee, a total of $34,600, which included The Ark, $7,800; Camp Mikell, $600; Clute Barrow Nelson Life Foundation, $5,000; Stable Foundation, $2,200; Healing Place of Athens, $6,000; Rural Outreach Center, $5,000; Athens-Oconee CASA, $5,000; Interfaith Hospitality Network of Athens, $2,000; Habitat family, $1,000. Naomi Norman commented that the list “spoke to priorities for children and the homeless that had been set.”
Diocesan Pledge: Naomi Norman reported that the bishop would like the Diocesan pledge card returned by August 15. The Finance Committee presented four options: 10% of our rolling 3-year average of our operating revenue; 10.2% (same as last year); 10.5%; and 11%. The recommendation was to pledge 11%, $74,484, with10 percent to come from operating budget and 1 percent from endowment funds earmarked for outreach since our Diocesan pledge supports mission and ministry at the Diocesan level.
Junior Warden’s Report: # Katherine Byrne said that each vestry year will have a different code to get into the church. She and Erwin Greene met with ACC Police’s Lt. Patterson to assess security issues, including doors, lighting, alarms, transoms, windows and other areas of potential concern. She and the Resources commissioners will begin to address these issues. # A signup sheet to provide lunch for approximately 25 Habitat volunteers Sept. 6 was passed around. # Vestry greeters are needed for Nov. 2 and 9. A signup sheet was passed around.
Senior Warden’s Report: # Naomi Norman was inspired by the First Methodist tour; she has ordered a book, Holy Places, from the Alban Institute that she believes will help the vestry plan and implement strategic action for all vestry members. # August 3 vestry forum will concern staff changes. Matthew Hicks, new Director for Formation, will give an overview and discuss direction of our education program. # The two vestry members designated for collection and lockup duties each Sunday will also be designated as vestry liaisons and will be available to speak with parishioners about their issues and concerns; their names will be printed in the Sunday bulletin. # A contract with the Athens Land Trust regarding its cottage is very close to signing and will then be sent to CASA, which will occupy the other cottage. The contract includes a long-term ground lease at $1 per year, “selling” the building for $1, and provisions for buying it back should the building be vacated or the organization change its fundamental mission or operation.
Rector’s Report: # Fr. Robert reminded members of the vestry of the importance of respecting the process for reaching decisions and of being “candid with charity and honesty” during discussions of issues. # He has been in touch with the firm of Sinclair, Townes & Co., Atlanta, about conducting a feasibility study for building and a capital campaign; the firm was recommended by the Diocese. # Matthew Hicks, who is the new Formation and Education director, will remain on the vestry and will recuse himself from voting on personnel issues.
Financial Report: # Nancy McDuff reported that pledges to date are down, not unusual during the summer months. Historically, about 97 percent of pledges are fulfilled during the year. # With the new Formation director and associate rector coming on staff, there is an additional cost of $24,000 in excess of what is budgeted. The vestry needs to authorize over-expenditure of budget for personnel matters. Action Items:
# Budget report passed. Motion: Nancy McDuff moved that the 11% diocesan pledge proposal be adopted. The motion seconded and passed. Motion: Nancy McDuff moved that budget report be accepted and expenditures for personnel matters be authorized. The motion was seconded and passed with Matthew Hicks recused. Motion: Vince Howard moved that MEMC recommendations be accepted. The motion passed with Matthew Hicks, who is on the CASA Board, abstaining. Motion: Phillip Cofer moved that a decision on the sign be tabled. The motion seconded and passed. The vestry will look into a more temporary sign for the immediate future.
Good of the Order: # Gillian Ball hosted a going-away party for youth director David Wagner. # Naomi Norman said that she is praying at 8 a.m. with other vestry members about our strategic action.
Meeting adjourned at 10:25 p.m. Next meeting: August 26, 2008 Devotion: Katherine Byrne Submitted by Elaine Kalber for Lee Albright, Clerk of the Vestry Approved by: John Becker, Anne Brightwell, Katherine Byrne, Phillip Cofer, Bill Connerat, Erwin Greene, Matthew Hicks, Vince Howard, Robin Krause, Nancy McDuff, Naomi Norman, Lisa Yarn
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