Vestry members present: Ann Homer Cook, Senior Warden; Stuart Burgess, Junior Warden; Linda Ross Aldy; Scott Carter; Al Doty; Oscar Hartman; Don Long; Brooks Mosley; Cathy Stroud; and David Wilson.

Others present: Bishop Chip Marble; David Christian, Associate Rector.

Ann Homer Cook presided over the meeting.

This Special Meeting of the Vestry was held at the request of Bishop Chip Marble. The Bishop presented to the Vestry Rector John Sewell's desire to resign effective December 31, 2001. The Bishop praised Rector Sewell for the many accomplishments of his tenure and complimented the Vestry on its positive leadership. He addressed the Vestry for approximately forty minutes and answered questions of concern. He discussed the fact that he had been in close contact with the parish leadership over the last ten months and would continue to be available to the parish as it searches for a new rector. The Bishop requested that the Vestry and Wardens be frozen in their positions for an additional year during the time of searching for a rector and to provide stability in leadership.

The Bishop requested that the Vestry approve a six-month severance package for the Rector Sewell and to consider continuing his medical insurance after six months if employment had not been found. He indicated that this was a normal procedure for a rector with as much tenure, dedication, and success as John's.

Oscar Hartman made a motion that the Vestry accept the resignation of John Sewell as rector. Scott Carter seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Don Long made a motion that the Vestry approve a severance package for John Sewell consisting of full salary and benefits for six months. Brooks Mosley seconded the motion and made an amendment to the motion that, in the event John Sewell does not find employment by the end of the six-month severance package period, the Vestry will entertain the approval of maintaining health insurance for a longer period if needed. The motion, as amended, passed unanimously.

The meeting was adjourned