· HISTORY

· FACILITIES
      Chapel
      Parish Hall
      Ed. Buildings
      Thompson H.
      Cemetery

· POLICIES

· CLERGY & STAFF

· LAY LEADERS

· VESTRY MEETING MINUTES

· ANGLICAN FAITH

Vestry Meeting Minutes

November 28, 2007

Members Present: Liz Risher, Kenny O’Neal, Hermine Welch, Nicole Stein, Pete Clark, Seymour Pooley, Dick Lawrence, Ruby Medlin, Pat Evans, and Reggie Sims

Members Absent: Leslie LeDoux and Whit Rayner

Others Present: Don Chancellor and Steve Downs

Vestry Clerk: Maridine Wall

Alston opened the meeting with a prayer.

Old Business: The minutes from the October meeting were read. Pat moved and Reggie seconded the motion that the minutes be approved as written. The motion passed.

New Business:
Day in the Country: Dick reported that at a previous meeting the Vestry had voted that 50% of the proceeds would go to debt reduction, 40% to historic preservation and 10% go to the playground. He mentioned that the media had reported that 50% would go to outreach and that some student volunteers for the event would receive community service hours based on the outreach portion of proceeds. A discussion followed on the importance of the Vestry communicating clearly to the DITC chairpersons regarding the allocation of proceeds so that confusion would not occur in the future.

The Finance Committee recommended that 50% go to outreach, 25 % to debt reduction, 20% to historic preservation and 5% to the playground. A discussion followed during which Reggie recommended that any outreach allocations be determined by the Servant Ministry Committee. He moved and Pete seconded the motion that the allocation of DITC proceeds be distributed as follows: 25% to Servant Ministry for outreach, 50% to debt reduction and 25% to historic preservation for building and grounds. After discussion, the motion passed.

Stewardship Update: Currently the budget from the recent campaign is $584,000. Last year’s budget was $669,000. There are some members who have not made their pledges at this time, and it is anticipated that the budget will increase.

Diocesan Pledge: This decision had been tabled from the October meeting in anticipation of discussion with Bishop Gray. The Chapel’s current pledge is 12%. Reggie moved that we continue with a 12% pledge and allocate $5,000 in addition to that for Coast relief. Hermine seconded the motion and it passed.

Vestry Election Process: The Vestry will meet December 19 to select Junior and Senior Wardens. Alston has asked for Vestry members to submit questions to him to ask of the candidates. The candidates will receive the questions by December 9 and will provide answers to the Vestry members prior to the election.

Montessori Update: Dick reported that in order for the school to locate at the DeWees House an environmental inspection will need to be done. Montessori will pay one half of the inspection fee. Dick moved and Reggie seconded the motion that the Chapel pay the other half up to $2,500. The motion was approved.

Strategic Development: The Vestry went into Executive Session for this discussion.

Commission Reports:
Finance: Steve Downs presented his report on the operating budget and announced that income from Day in the Country was $55,930. After expenses, the net income should be approximately $26,600. Reggie moved and Kenny seconded the motion that the financials be approved. The motion passed. Dick also reported that the Finance Committee had had its first meeting with Donna Markham and that we are fortunate to have her services. Alston presented the following Resolution: “Whereas the Rev. Sylvia R. Czarnetzky is employed as a minister of the Gospel by the Chapel of the Cross in Madison, Mississippi, which does not provide a residence for her, the vestry resolves that, of the total compensation to be paid to her for the year 2008 (and for future years), that $29,160 be designated a housing allowance within the meaning of Section 107 of the Internal Revenue Code.” The motion was passed as presented.

Christian Growth: Ruby reported that the wall in the Sunday School area had not been removed as reported to her previously. Efforts will be made to remedy the situation. There are currently 25 children involved in Mothers’ Morning Out. The building will be locked down for their safety. She also mentioned concern about clearing the woods behind the building. This issue will be revisited. She also mentioned some housekeeping issues which will be addressed by Alston.

Christian Service: Kenny reported that things are going well. DITC was successful and Pastoral Care and Wednesday Night Suppers are also successful.

Building and Grounds: Alston reported that 3 new light poles have been placed in strategic areas on the Chapel grounds, and they will be maintained by Entergy.

Wardens’ Reflections: none

Clergy Reflection: Alston reported that he will be looking for a new person to serve as Clerk of the Vestry as Maridine will no longer be able to serve in that capacity. He thanked her for her service. He also announced that new Lay Readers would be the following: Linda Ross Aldy, Liz Welch, Bill Horne, Ann Homer Cook, Marilyn Beach and Ruby Medlin.

The meeting was closed with prayer.