Minutes of the Vestry MeetingEmmanuel Episcopal Church November 18, 2009 Present: Father Robert Salamone, Father Edwin Beckham, Absent: Erwin Greene The meeting was called to order by Fr. Robert at 7:30 pm. Naomi gave the devotion comparing her journey with her Vestry class to the story of the Wizard of Oz. Vestry service involved learning to see the big picture and finding and valuing courage, heart, home, and family. Information/Discussion Items: Joe gave an update on the Stewardship Campaign saying there had been a reasonable response so far. He provided a data sheet comparing statistics of 2008 and 2009. Fr. Robert said the Vestry needs to follow up with members who did not pledge and keep data about their responses. Naomi suggested that when phone calls are made there be a sheet to turn in to keep a record. The Vestry should try to find out if there is a problem where the church could assist. Fr. Robert said he is encouraged by the results so far with about 100 units left outstanding. Matthew reported on the Huddle House property negotiations. The owner Robin Smith and realtor Charlie Upchurch had talked with him and said if they could get the current tenants out (Huddle House), they would like to receive the appraised value. They plan to come back with a proposal. Chuck said that the Environmental Study of the Huddle House property had come in online, but he could not open the file. He is pursuing the issue. Vince gave an update on the Creation Keepers. He met with the Presiding Bishop and the Creation Keepers commission at the Diocesan Annual Council. He has also met with Georgia Interfaith Power and Light. They can do an assessment of our campus for a cost of $200-300. Vince asked for help with the recycling from the bins on campus and is asking the ushers to empty the paper bin in the mailroom. He is working on getting volunteers for the program and will attend a retreat for the Creation Keepers in February 2010 at Camp Mikell. Matt and Dee presented their proposed revisions to the Emmanuel Vestry By-Laws to reduce the size of the Vestry from 15 to 12 members. Also proposed is a youth representative based on a resolution from General Convention to encourage a non-voting youth member. There was discussion of whether 12 is an appropriate size. Comments will be taken back and incorporated into a new revision proposal to have its first reading at the January 2010 meeting. The process of how to reduce the size from 15 to 12 will be recorded in the Vestry minutes, not spelled out in the By-Laws. Lisa and Vince presented the list of proposed grants from the Mission and Extended Ministries Committee. Nancy commended the committee for awarding all the funds available for the quarter. Phillip asked if the MEMC was seeing a wider net of requests, but this does not seem to be the case. Fr. Robert encouraged the MEMC to be creative about how to do mission and broaden our impact. He would like our mission work to expand parishioners’ exposure to other cultures and bring this experience back to Athens. Junior Warden’s Report: John confirmed that the work on the roof and A/C system was complete. The stone will be cleaned and a bonding surface put on it. Emergency plans are being tweaked and will be posted throughout the campus. Vince asked if water is pooling during rain events. John responded that rain water will be diverted temporarily with black piping. In the future the water will be collected. John also said the patina for the copper gutters and drain pipes had not yet been applied because: 1) there have been too many rains and 2) there is a heat and compact issue. It needs to be applied in the summer. Senior Warden’s Report: Naomi announced that the Vestry will meet on Sunday, December 6, at 8 am to discuss and vote on the choice of consultant for the Capital Campaign. If a Vestry member has attended both consultant presentations and can not attend the meeting on December 6, an absentee vote may be cast. An absentee vote would require a rank in priority of the candidates and an agreement to accept the decision of the whole. Financial Report: Nancy noted that in the statement through October the major area of concern was that payment of 2009 pledges to date was down. The bottom line on the budget is better because of the fundraiser income and lower utility bills. The actual deficit is approximately $15,000. The 2010 budget has not yet been revised because 2010 pledge figures are not yet complete. Nancy recommended that an e-vote be taken on a draft budget once salary and benefits lines have been finalized. Action Item:
Motion: John moved to approve the proposed grants of the MEMC as listed in the Extended Ministries Commission report. The motion was seconded and passed. Rector’s Report: Fr. Robert expressed his gratitude for the efforts of all the outgoing Vestry members. He thanked Naomi for serving as Senior Warden – for her support and friendship and for her doggedness and capacity to get a tremendous amount of work done. Good of the Order:
Prayers were requested for Erika Greene and Charlie Carabello. Matt reminded everyone that Emmanuel hosts the Interfaith Hospitality Network November 29 to December 6. Any assistance would be welcomed, especially with the move-in on Sunday. Curt read a letter from Harris Collier to the Vestry on behalf of Club 45 concerning the donation of toys and gifts for their Emmaus House drive. Dee reminded the Vestry that they are the cooking team for the December 16 Wednesday Night Supper. John announced a drive at the College Station Kroger on November 20-21 to benefit the N.E. Georgia Food Bank. The meeting was closed with a prayer for the retiring Vestry and adjourned at 9:40 pm. Respectfully submitted by Lee Albright, Clerk of the Vestry Approved by:
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