Emmanuel Episcopal Church
February 25, 2009
Present: Robert Salamone, Edwin Beckham, John Becker, Anne Brightwell, Phillip Cofer, Joe Clements, Curt Collier, Dee Forester, Chuck Galis, Erwin Greene, Vince Howard, Matt Humphrey, Marty Kemp, Nancy McDuff, Naomi Norman, Lisa Yarn
Absent: Matthew Hicks
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Father Robert.
The devotion was given by Naomi based on a devotion from her mother’s files. The lesson was a challenge to live by Corinthians I daily.
Information and Discussion Items:
Naomi stated that the 2008 Vestry voted in principle to accept the proposed Emmanuel logo, but had recommended some tweaks to the design. Donnie Dicer had proposed both a graphic logo and a more formal print logo. Erwin noted that the graphic logo had been used as a watermark in the new information booklet prepared by the Welcome Committee. Father Robert said that Emmanuel will use the print logo as a trial in the Athens Banner-Herald weekly ad on the church page.
Motion: Vince moved that Emmanuel use the print logo in the newspaper ad on a trial basis during Lent.
Seconded and passed.
Phillip will find out how soon we can change the ad and the costs for different lengths of time to run it. He will work with Donnie Dicer.
Erwin is working on more designs for the sign in front of the church. (Currently there are two designs under $1000.) The project is tabled for now. Recently a sign has been placed on the stanchion with the Potter’s House sign.
Joe reported on the results of the contacts made by the Vestry. The total pledged as of February 25 is around $724,000.
The initial focus for Stewardship during Lent 2009 is the pledging of Time & Talent beginning March 1. Joe asked each Vestry person to complete the form before they are distributed to the congregation. Parishioners should be reminded that the Vestry and clergy can help in finding a place to serve.
Joe attended the TENS Conference where they discussed the four points of stewardship. He asked all Vestry persons to look at their own lives in the church in relation to stewardship and to keep notes to share. He would like to include a Vestry person’s story in the April Tower. Naomi stated that every Vestry meeting will include a stewardship emphasis, report, or meditation.
Lisa and Vince reported the 4th quarter 2008 grants awarded by the MEMC (as listed in their commission report). In 2009 the committee members plan to be more active in seeking out needs in the community, not just acting on requests received. Fr. Robert expressed that the MEMC should be encouraged to give all the money available because there are always people who need help. Nancy noted that the MEMC may need to look at the timing issues for payment of grants because the fourth quarter amounts need to be paid before the end of December when the books are closed for the year. The MEMC would like to be able to respond to emergencies. The Vestry voted to give the committee the ability to award a maximum grant of $300 and to allow the committee to keep $2500/year in reserve for such emergency grants without Vestry approval.
The 2008 Vestry approved the Faithful Servant Award in principle. Naomi referred to the report submitted by the subcommittee and asked for discussion.
Junior Warden’s Report
John reported that railings for the steps to the Youth House are in process. He and Melissa are working on a safety plan to be posted around the campus. A parish workday is planned for March 21.
Senior Warden’s Report
Naomi reminded the Vestry of the Day of Reflection for liturgical ministers as well as the Diocesan Ministry Fair on February 28.
Rob Townes of Sinclair, Townes has completed half of the interviews for the feasibility study for the capital campaign. The response has been strong. He will give the Vestry a report by the end of March.
Naomi stressed that commission chairs need to keep notebooks to pass on to the next chair (such as budget requests, notes on the calendar) to ease the transition from one Vestry to the next.
Naomi has written to the Potter’s House inviting them for a conversation which has been held. Emmanuel will keep them informed of our plans to develop the property.
Rector’s Report
Fr. Robert stated that as Rob Townes conducts the feasibility study, we should get a good picture of who we are as a community of faith and can move forward based on that response.
The Day of Reflection is needed for all liturgical ministers to regroup and coordinate so that everyone is working together.
Bishop Whitmore will be at Emmanuel for confirmation on March 22. The preparation classes for the high school students and adults have been team taught by Fr. Robert, Fr. Edwin, and Matthew Hicks.
There will be no doughnuts provided with coffee in Lent.
Fr. Robert is creating a new Commission on Ministry to serve the parish by assisting members of Emmanuel to discern God’s call to ministry and the possibility of seeking ordination to the diaconate and priesthood. There is such a commission in the diocese. An Emmanuelite, John Ballard, has been accepted to the process. Emmanuel needs a discernment committee to work with him and make a recommendation to the Vestry; Robert has appointed Matthew Hicks to chair this committee. Fr. Robert will talk to the wardens to develop the committee and the commission.
Financial Report
Nancy presented the final 2009 budget proposal, reviewing it and asking for questions.
Motion: John moved that an ad hoc committee composed of Vestry and parishioners be appointed to brainstorm fund-raising ideas to eliminate the deficit in the budget rather than making cuts.
Seconded and approved.
Volunteers for the committee were requested to notify Naomi or Fr. Robert.
A date for the Parish Picnic will be set by email.
Naomi reported that the kitchen needs a new freezer and additional flatware. There are funds available in the Wednesday Night Supper account.
Action Items
Motion from Finance Committee: approval of the proposed 2009 Budget.
Passed.
Motion from MEMC: approval of requested grants for the fourth quarter.
Amendment by Nancy: $20,000 of the Long-Range Planning funds will remain in escrow account, line 900021, for future use.
Naomi noted that the Vestry encourages the MEMC to spend as much money allocated for grants as possible.
Passed with one abstention.
Motion: Joe moved to accept the Vestry Stewardship Statement.
Seconded and passed.
Motion: Nancy moved to accept the proposed document for the Faithful Servant Award.
Seconded and passed.
Good of the Order
Edwin gave thanks for the parish support of the youth through the Pancake Supper.
Joe expressed appreciation for being supported to attend the TENS Conference.
Vince reminded the Vestry that Emmanuel hosts the IHN March 22-29.
Naomi urged the Vestry to support the Hope Chest youth project to promote bee keeping for needy families around the world.
The meeting was adjourned with a prayer at 9:25 pm.
Next Meeting: March 25, 2009
Devotion: John Becker
Submitted by: Lee L. Albright, Clerk of the Vestry
Approved by: John Becker, Anne Brightwell, Phillip Cofer, Joe Clements, Curt Collier, Dee Forester, Chuck Galis, Erwin Greene, Vince Howard, Matt Humphrey, Marty Kemp, Nancy McDuff, Naomi Norman, Lisa Yarn
Absent: Matthew Hicks