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· VESTRY MEETING MINUTES

· ANGLICAN FAITH

Vestry Meeting Minutes

March 10 , 2004

Vestry members present: Scott Carter, Al Doty, Brad Ewing, Suzanne Files, David Conn, Philip Gaines, Ruby Medlin, Keith Obert, Paul Pradat, David Senn, Reggie Sims.

Others present: Judy Barnes, David Christian, Steve Downs.

The meeting was opened with prayer and Paul Pradat presided.

Approval of Minutes Brad Ewing made the motion to approve the February minutes as written. Ruby Medlin seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Commission Reports Brad Ewing reported on the Christian Stewardship Commission. He asked for suggestions for committee chairmen under his commission.

The Christian Service Commission report was begun by Suzanne Files who reported the reorganized Pastoral Care Committee was up and running under Leslie LeDoux's leadership. Paul reported the initial Newcomer Committee task force had just met tonight and was working on a process to welcome, include and involve newcomers. David Senn said the Couples-Singles group had a large attendance at the recent Mardi Gras crawfish boil. Wednesday Night Suppers are well attended and David Conn asked for feedback and noted that he has some volunteers who can work with him to collect from all the diners.

Philip Gaines reported on the Christian Growth Commission. He said that he is looking for a chairman for the Youth Formation Committee and may need Paul and Al's help finding someone. Ruby Medlin has been trying to find someone to head up Children's Education for grades 2-6. Lee Anne Bryan has agreed to oversee Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and Children's Education for the younger children. Paul said he wants to plan a lay ministry fair in the spring. Al challenged the vestry members to set a goal of filling all the committee chairs by the next vestry meeting April 21. He asked them to contact Judy Barnes when slots are filled so the commission chart can be updated.

Treasurer's Report Steve Downs presented the YTD Operating P & L Comparison and the preliminary 2004 operating budget. Al noted that the Finance Committee has met and expects it will take a couple of months for comparisons to be more meaningful.

Senior Warden's Report Al Doty noted the new Wednesday night activities have been well attended. He feels the Finance Committee is working diligently. He again emphasized that committee chair positions need filling as soon as possible.

Junior Warden's Report Scott Carter is planning to organize a Saturday work day soon.

Rector's Report Paul Pradat handed out copies of the 2003 Parochial Report. He discussed the programs planned during Easter and said he will seek sponsorships. He reported the Wednesday night Lenten video series has been well attended and noted there is something planned for the entire family. Paul provided drawings of signs that he wants to have installed before Easter. A donor has offered to sponsor the $1500 cost. Suzanne Files made a motion to have A+ Signs proceed with the project. The motion was seconded by Keith Obert and approved unanimously.

New Business:

Wardens' Conference: Paul announced the upcoming conference that is open to anyone who is interested. Registration forms are in the office.

Youth Room Update Scott reported that doors for the youth rooms have been ordered and will be installed this weekend. He has received one proposal for plumbing and is seeking another estimate. $31,000 has been spent and approximately $25,000 may be needed to finish the project. Fund raising options will be explored.

Color Copier Judy Barnes has received a proposal to lease a color copier at the same rate as the current copier. She was asked to research any hidden costs and user codes to restrict use.

Gator Paul reported the John Deere Gator had been wrecked during a recent Sunday evening youth activity and it already had damage from two previous events. It was acknowledged that unauthorized use particularly by youth is a liability and should be prohibited. The key will be locked up and checked out for Chapel business only. Keith Obert and Philip Gaines will formulate a policy and agreement to be signed by the user.

Long Range Planning/Debt Retirement There was discussion of previous work by Terry Eason. The Long Range Planning Committee feels it is time to have him come back to meet with Paul, the vestry and the committee to discuss details for proceeding with Phase 3. Al Doty reported the balance of the building debt is $567,316. The process of looking at a Capital Funds Campaign should begin soon. The Finance Committee discussed the idea of approaching Merchants & Farmers Bank to increase the loan amount to $600,000 but make interest payments only through the rest of the year. This will give some temporary relief while exploring options. Philip Gaines made the motion to authorize Al Doty and Scott Carter to negotiate with M&F to defer principal payments through the end of this year and increase the loan amount to no more than $600,000. The motion was seconded by Reggie Sims and carried unanimously.

The meeting was adjourned to executive session.

The next scheduled vestry meeting is April 21.