The Annual Meeting began in the nave with Holy Eucharist Rite II. Fr. Robert Salamone delivered his sermon as his annual report highlighting the events and accomplishments of the year at Emmanuel and his recommendations for future plans and programs.
Following the sermon the congregation moved to the Common Room for brunch and the business meeting. Fr. Robert called the meeting to order at 10:02.
Lee Albright was nominated by the Vestry as secretary for the meeting. Seconded and approved.
The following tellers were nominated by the Vestry: John Albright (head teller) and outgoing Vestry members Gillian Ball, John Ballard, Katherine Byrne, Robin Krause, and Betsy Turner. Seconded and approved.
The minutes of the 2007 Annual Meeting were approved.
Katherine Byrne, Junior Warden and chair of the nominating committee, announced the slate of nominees for the Vestry and asked them to come forward to introduce themselves: Joe Clements, Curt Collier, Keith Cowne, Dee Forester, Chuck Galis, Lisa Germaine, Sean Hogan, Matt Humphrey, and Marty Kemp. Ballots were distributed and the requirements for voting were reviewed by Fr. Robert.
Fr. Robert reported that Bill Connerat had resigned from the Vestry with one year left in his term. Voters were instructed to vote for six candidates; the person with the sixth highest number of votes would fill the last year of Bill’s term. Voters must vote for six candidates for the ballot to count.
Senior Warden Report and Update on Recent Vestry Initiatives
Senior Warden Naomi Norman gave a welcome and referred everyone to her report in the Annual Report booklet. She then asked participating members to stand as she named avenues of involvement in Emmanuel and noted that almost everyone was standing. She applauded everything created by parishioners’ contributions. Naomi welcomed Fr. Edwin Beckham, Associate Rector, and his family; welcomed Matthew Hicks as the Christian Formation director; and recognized all the support staff. She then gave thanks for the Episcopal priest that brought Fr. Robert into the Episcopal Church from the Franciscans, saying that he “loves, challenges, nurtures, and leads us – and allows us to love him”.
Naomi highlighted recent Vestry and parish initiatives.
- Reached agreement to give one of the cottages to Athens Land Trust (agreement close with C.A.S.A. [Court Appointed Special Advocates] for the other cottage).
- Burned the mortgage in February for Potter’s House property - close to having a plan for the future of the property.
- Hired the Sinclair, Townes & Co. to conduct a feasibility study for a capital campaign that would provide needed space for Christian Formation, to make repairs, and to leave a legacy for the future.
- Saw significant growth in Christian Formation and Outreach.
- Broadened the concept of Stewardship beyond the pledge drive and saw the parish respond.
- Will dedicate Habitat for Humanity house December 18 (built August-December with strong participation from the parish).
- Saw Wednesday Night Supper attendance grow with more cooks than ever before.
- Gave thanks for the flourishing music program.
- Added the prayer shawl and yoga ministries through the Pastoral Care Commission.
The Vestry is discerning what our vision is for Emmanuel, what direction to take, what to build, and how to please God.
The Rector and Senior Warden took comments and questions about their reports or parish life.
- Bob Bowen thanked Aileen Sisley, long-time parish secretary and continuing volunteer, for all her contributions to Emmanuel.
- Paul Anderson asked if there would be offerings at non-traditional times for those who can not attend Christian Formation hour because of serving in the choir or as Sunday School teachers. Fr. Robert and Matthew Hicks answered yes, but this is still being planned.
- Jamaica Miller asked if there would be railings installed to the Youth House. Fr. Robert said yes: railings are being placed around the campus and more are to come.
- Ann Cabaniss asked if there would be a workday to polish brass before Christmas. Debra Lassiter said one was not scheduled, but would plan one for the week before Christmas.
Financial Report
In Financial Commission Chair Nancy McDuff’s absence, Naomi urged everyone to look at the Finance Report in the Annual Report. The 2008 budget is running at a deficit. The growth of the parish and its programs has caused the deficit to grow. Some pledges have not yet been paid and she urged that those commitments be met.
In giving an update, Fr. Robert noted that as of 12/2/08, there were 219 pledges for
$625,090. To meet the 2009 budget, $732,000 is needed. Around 300 families usually pledge and he urged everyone to make their pledges for 2009 so the Vestry can pass a budget. The parish has doubled its commitment to outreach and he is thankful to those who have prayed and made a faith-based decision.
Michael Fitzgerald, chair of the Endowment Board, reported that the group is dedicated to transparency and he or any member of the board would welcome questions. He commended Bob Wood for his report on the Emmanuel website on the history of the endowment. State Street Bank (recommended by the Diocese) advises the board and recommends following disciplined strategies and diversifying the investments. Michael urged that we be positive because we are doing good things even though the funds are lower with the economic downturn. Many people created the funds by leaving money to the church and members must continue to do that as well as give on a current basis. Fr. Robert noted that endowment funds should not be used for maintenance, etc. The money left in bequests must be safeguarded for its intended uses.
Fr. Robert opened the floor for questions or announcements:
· Terri Seward, Mission and Extended Ministries chair, announced that:
Ø Bishop’s Blend coffee is available with proceeds going to the Episcopal Relief and Development Fund.
Ø Emmanuel will host the Interfaith Hospitality Network families January 4-11.
Ø Thanks go to those helping with the Thanksgiving Dinner for the needy, especially Bill Hicks, Lee Gaby, Bob Bowen. Over 100 were served at the church and 450 meals were delivered.
Ø Dedication of the Habitat House is December 18 at 4:30 p.m.
· Father Edwin noted the gathering for the Young Adults (20s, 30s) December 9.
· Brian Kemp asked if the consultants will look at our assets and then give a plan or will they have direction from the Vestry and clergy? Fr. Robert replied he and the Vestry have looked at our campus and past history. We are looking at how to improve current facilities and determining what will be necessary to fulfill the needs expressed by the parish. We are trying to determine the cost estimate. The consultants will have face to face meetings with about 40 parishioners and all others will have a chance for input. With an idea of what the parish can contribute, we will prioritize what can be done. The church has never had a capital campaign.
· Bob Bowen commented that in his 56 years of membership, the Men of Emmanuel had come and gone several times. He sees a need for one group to incorporate social, service, and spiritual activities all in one. Currently there are several men’s groups with separate missions.
· Claire Gaus noted that the 10:30 service is now often crowded and asked if there are plans to add a third service. Fr. Robert replied that there are already discussions about how to preserve the community while adding more services. Possibilities could be a Saturday or Sunday evening service – perhaps Compline or a more contemporary service.
· Naomi Norman commented that she has been reading the Vestry minutes since the founding of Emmanuel. The church was built on many leaps of faith throughout the process of constructing the church building. She commended the Vestry for their strong attendance at all meetings and their willingness to carry out business and follow through with what needed to be done.
· Anne Brightwell suggested that if those who had made a pledge for 2009 could consider adding a small amount to their pledge, it could make a difference in meeting the needed budget.
· Dee Forester, chair of the Reception Committee, thanked Ivey Adams and Lindsey Payne for the delicious brunch.
Recognition of the outgoing Vestry
Fr. Robert recognized Gillian Ball, John Ballard, Katherine Byrne, Robin Krause, and Betsy Turner saying he celebrates the incredible amount of energy they put into their service and the life of the community. He thanked them on behalf of the parish. They received a standing ovation.
Presentation of the New Vestry Class
Fr. Robert announced those candidates duly elected for 3-year terms: Joe Clements, Curt Collier, Dee Forester, Chuck Galis, and Marty Kemp. Elected to fulfill the remaining year of Bill Connerat’s term: Matt Humphrey.
Fr. Robert named Naomi Norman to continue in 2009 as Senior Warden. The Junior Warden will be elected by the Vestry at the Vestry Retreat in January.
The congregation then said together the Renewal of Our Baptismal Promises and closed by passing the Peace.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:30 a.m. to return to the sanctuary to resume the celebration of the Eucharist.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lee L. Albright
Clerk of the Vestry and Secretary
Approved at Annual Meeting, December 6, 2009