Vestry members present: John Sewell, Rector; Ann Homer Cook, Senior Warden; Scott Carter; Al Doty; Suzanne Files; Oscar Hartman; Don Long; Brooks Mosley; Cathy Stroud; and David Wilson.

Others present: David Christian, Associate Rector; Dale Marcum, Consultant; and Jeannine Barrett, Clerk.

Prior to the beginning of the meeting, a short reception was held for John Sewell.

David Christian opened the meeting with prayer.

Ann Homer Cook presided over the meeting.

Rector's Report. John Sewell reported that beginning January 1, 2002, David Christian will serve as Priest-in-Charge, with the understanding that the arrangement will be open to examination and that lay ministers may be enlisted as needed. Another option which may be considered is to have one or more supply priests serve two or three days a week. It was pointed out that having the same two or three supply priests would be beneficial to the parishioners in terms of providing a feeling of familiarity and continuity.

A handout showing the attendance numbers since the dual services began was distributed and discussed. Some people have questioned the feasibility of continuing the dual services and commented that the services in the Parish Hall seem to have an empty feeling. Various possibilities are being checked into that might help improve that situation, including removing some of the chairs and/or rearranging the configuration of the chairs. The numbers reflect that if all services were held in the Chapel, there would not be enough room. It appears that dual services are necessary to provide adequate seating.

John Sewell left the meeting after his remarks. Treasurer's Report and Preliminary Budget for 2002.

The Operating Budget vs. Actual for January through November 2001 was distributed and various portions of same were discussed by Dale Marcum. Ann Homer Cook Don Long, Brooks Mosley and Linda Ross Aldy met the previous Monday to go over the preliminary budget. At that meeting, the income portion of the budget was not analyzed because only 109 pledges have been turned in thus far. Each of the conveners has been asked to report on what each committee has requested for its portion of the budget. There will be a budget meeting at noon on January 7, 2002, to which all Vestry members are invited. It is hoped that a majority of the pledge cards will be turned in prior to the January meeting, and which time it will be decided whether to have a deficit or to cut the budget. Budget items which should be analyzed for potential revisions were brought on for discussion by Ann Homer Cook and Dale Marcum.

Approval of Minutes. The November minutes were approved as submitted with one correction.

BUSINESS

Request for $6,000 for J2A Pilgrimage. Don Long reported that the Chapel previously agreed that the J2A group and chaperones would take a pilgrimage every other year. Oscar Hartman outlined the breakdown of how the cost of the pilgrimage is paid. Al Doty made a motion that the request for $6,000 for the J2A pilgrimage be taken out of this year's budget. Cathy Stroud seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Renewal of Realtor's Agreement with David Cox. David Cox has asked for a new contract for the sale of the 3/4 acre parcel of land on Mannsdale Road. He has also suggested that the price for the land be reduced from $37,000 to $24,400. After discussion, Oscar Hartman made a motion that a new contract be signed for $24,400. Suzanne Files seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Invitation to Purchase Furniture from Dewees House. Ann Homer Cook reported that Lee Dewees submitted a list of furniture in his home that he would like to sell. It is the opinion of the Vestry to decline Mr. Dewees' offer at this time and thank him.

Renting of Dewees House or Apartment. A discussion was held regarding the possibility of renting the Dewees house and/or apartment. Several topics were discussed, including repairs needed, amount of rent to charge, the possibility of getting the house listed on the historic registry, necessity of rules for tenants, whether or not the new rector might be interested in the house as a rectory and security for the property. Cathy Stroud made a motion that the Vestry explore the subject of renting the house, with rules to be set, for $1,000 per month plus utilities. Brooks Mosley seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Computer Armoire in Rector's Office. The Commission approved giving the computer armoire in the rector's office to John Sewll as a going-away gift. It was pointed out that, upon selection of a new rector, funds will be budgeted the following year for his office furniture. Al Doty made a motion that the computer armoire be given to John Sewell. Scott Carter seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Hosting Annual Council 2004. The Chapel previously was asked to host the 2003 Council; however, problems with lodging in Jackson arose, and the Chapel was then asked to host the 2004 Council. David Christian asked that the Vestry consider declining the request to host the 2004 Council because of our search for a new rector. Al Doty made a motion that the Vestry decline the request to host the 2004 Annual Council. Don Long seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Mannsdale Heritage Society. Al Doty gave a brief report about a recent emergency meeting of the Mannsdale Heritage Society regarding an overlay district. Tom and Lee Dewees have expressed an interest in opening a country store on the 2.3 acre corner parcel of land they own.

Oscar Hartman led the Vestry members in expressing gratitude for the job Ann Homer Cook has done as Senior Warden. Ann Homer Cook asked that she be provided with a list of the people who expressed an interest in being nominated for the election of Vestry members that was to have taken place in January because she wanted to write a letter to those persons expressing thanks for their willingness to be nominated.

David Christian reported on recent conversations he has had with David Johnson, whose job involves helping Parishes in interim periods. David Johnson would like to meet with the Vestry for about two to three hours in February. The dates of Wednesday, February 6, 2002 or Thursday, February 7, 2002 were proposed by David Johnson and David Christian asked that the Vestry consider those dates. David Christian gave a brief synopsis of his understanding of search process and explained that David Johnson may be able to give a better understanding of the process. David Johnson has agreed to serve as a consultant during the process.

David Christian left the meeting while salaries were discussed.

At the Budget Committee meeting, it was suggested that the Vestry might want to consider awarding David Christian a bonus in appreciation of the outstanding job he has done during John Sewell's absence and for his agreeing to serve as Priest-in-Charge until a new Rector is chosen. During discussion of the subject, it was suggested that David Christian be given a bonus in addition to providing him with a higher percentage of salary increase than was recommended by the Diocese. Al Doty made a motion that David Christian be given a $5,000 net bonus and Suzanne Files seconded the motion. After further discussion, Don Long made a substitute motion that David Christian be given a $7,500 net bonus, payable immediately. Oscar Hartman seconded the motion and it passed with one abstention. Al Doty made a motion that David Christian receive a 4% salary increase instead of the 2.75% increase recommended by the Diocese. David Wilson seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m. with prayer.