Emmanuel Episcopal Church

October 22, 2008

Present:  Gillian Ball, John Ballard, John Becker, Anne Brightwell, Katherine Byrne, Phillip Cofer, Bill Connerat, Erwin Greene, Matthew Hicks, Vince Howard, Nancy McDuff, Naomi Norman, Betsy Turner, Lisa Yarn, Fr. Robert Salamone, Fr. Edwin Beckham.

Absent: Robin Krause

The meeting was called to order at 7:10 pm.

Information/Discussion Items

Stewardship: Gillian Ball said that the six neighborhood meetings attended by approximately 125 parishioners were successful, helping to build community and interest. A two-year rotation for meetings is recommended, alternating with other approaches to stewardship. A total of 12 vestry pledges totaling $51,850 are in; pledge cards to parishioners will be mailed Oct. 23. It is hoped that pledges will returned by Nov. 1. There will be a blessing of pledge cards at the altar on Nov. 9.

Roof/Recycling: Phillip Cofer reported that recycling containers are in place throughout the campus with blue for paper and green for bottles and cans. In addition, ACC has provided a green recycling dumpster next to the trash dumpster in the thrift house parking lot. Environmental stewardship at Emmanuel will also include education, an energy audit and other green initiatives.

John Becker reported that repairs to flashing and vent pipes are in progress and leaks, such as above the sacristy, are being addressed. An overall assessment of the roof is being done with initial discussions with contractors for the entire roof with a maximum budget of $75,000. There is a possibility that repairs will be less extensive since there is a lot of good solid roof remaining.

Vestry Retreat: Fr. Robert said that vestry retreat, Jan. 23-25, will be held at the Lake Logan Episcopal Center, located near Waynesville, N.C., in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The retreat will be geared to “our particular needs in moving forward, community building, setting a course for healthy working together and spiritual development.” He noted that outgoing vestry members could be helpful to incoming members and are invited to attend the retreat.

Thrift House Grants: Lisa Yarn presented a list of Thrift House Grant recommendations, a total of $10,000,  including: The Ark , 0; Nurses Clinic, $3,000; Council on Aging, $2,500; Samaritan Counseling, 0; School at Limonade, $1,000; Oasis Catolica, $1,200; YMCA, $500; Actors Studio, 0; Georgia Options, $1,700; Our Daily Bread, $100.

Space Needs/Philosophy: Naomi Norman said that a case statement for the feasibility study for a capital campaign is being developed by consultant Rob Townes, vice president of Sinclair, Townes and Co., and that some kind of a narrative should be completed by Nov. 10. She, Robert and Katherine met with contractor Sean Hogan to get a ballpark idea of costs to inform the feasibility study that will be conducted first of the year. Norman noted that there is always a reason not to do something but that “this time is as good as anytime to build God’s kingdom.”

According to vestry members, our spaces needs document should include: restrooms, handicapped accessibility, parking space, signage, and parlor space. It is also important to set priorities, take a look at current facilities and maximize those possibilities.

Outstanding Communicant: Fr. Robert discussed ways to honor longstanding parishioners who have made outstanding contributions to Emmanuel. Criteria need to be established, such as longevity and consistent commitment that has made a difference. Ideas include recognition at the annual meeting and having an honor roll. Betsy Turner, Katherine Byrne, and Naomi Norman will work with clergy on criteria.

Agape Meals: Anne Brightwell announced that Beverly Sligh will be leading the Agape Meals ministry.

Reports

Junior Warden’s Report: Katherine Byrne presented the slate for the 2009 vestry: Joe Clements, Curt Collier, Keith Cowne, Dee Forester, Chuck Galis, Lisa Germain, Sean Hogan, Matt Humphrey, Marty Kemp.

Senior Warden’s Report: Naomi Norman reminded vestry members that Nov. 2 is the deadline for annual report submissions to Melissa Fulcher.

Rector’s Report: It is important that vestry members be prepared to answer questions from parishioners, who should be approached in a positive, constructive way; all should be treated with charity and gentleness when they have to do things in new ways. Vestry members have a role as messengers.

Fr. Edwin Beckham and Matthew Hicks have developed cliff notes for ushers.

Finance: Nancy McDuff reported that pledge income is coming in satisfactorily although there is a way to go; expenses are in line. There are no issues or concerns with the day school budget. The big issue is going to be developing next year’s budget when pledges come in.

Action Items

# John Ballard moved that thrift house grants be accepted. Motion seconded by Nancy McDuff and passed.

# John Becker moved that the slate of vestry members presented by the nominating committee be approved. Motion seconded by Vince Howard and passed.

Good of the Order

# Betsy Turner: Tickets are available for Casa Mia, Mi Corazon, a dinner to benefit Count Appointed Special Advocates, to be held Oct. 26 at Casa Mia restaurant.

# Anne Brightwell: Handwritten thank-you note from Fr. Robert for pledge appreciated.

# John Ballard: Camp Mikell doing well and is growing.

# Naomi Norman: She has been composing “Archive Minutes” from reading past documents and noted that frequently in Emmanuel’s past vestry meetings fell apart from lack of a quorum. During her time on the vestry, she does not remember a meeting without a quorum and appreciates this faithful attendance and service of the present vestry.

# Katherine Bryne: passed around day school photos.

# Bill Connerat: Prayers are appreciated for Cindy Sullivan.

# Vince Howard: International Hospitality Network week was very positive with over 50 volunteers.

# Erwin Green: celebrating 4^th wedding anniversary.

# Matthew Hicks: Emmanuel offers probably the most cohesive group he has ever worked with.

# Nancy McDuff: Thanks to Gillian Ball for her hard work on stewardship.

# Father Robert: There will be three baptisms Sunday, all children in one of Emmanuel’s new families; Maya Ballard will be baptized on Nov. 2.  At Evensong on Nov. 2, names of the faithful departed will be read. The service will be followed by an organ recital and reception.

# Vince Howard: It is a great idea to welcome back retiring vestry members.

The meeting adjourned about 9:30 p.m.

The next vestry meeting will be Nov. 19, 2008. John Ballard will give the devotion.

Submitted by Elaine Kalber for Lee Albright, Clerk of the Vestry

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