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· VESTRY MEETING MINUTES

· ANGLICAN FAITH

Vestry Meeting Minutes

April, 2004

Vestry members present: Scott Carter, Al Doty, Suzanne Files, Susan Lawrence, Ruby Medlin, Paul Pradat, David Senn, Reggie Sims.

Others present: Judy Barnes, David Christian

The meeting was opened with prayer and Paul Pradat presided.

Approval of Minutes The March vestry meeting minutes were reviewed and there were no corrections or additions.

Commission Reports The Christian Service Commission report was given by Suzanne Files who reported that the work of the Pastoral Care Committee is going great. There was a recent Cook Day and there are lots of frozen casseroles for team members to deliver. She said there will be another New Member Ministry Committee meeting next week.

Al Doty reported on the Christian Growth Commission. He announced that Dick Lawrence has agreed to chair the Youth Formation Committee. Adult Sunday School classes are going well. Ruby Medlin reported that a Vacation Bible School chair has not been found yet. Leigh Ann Bryan will direct Children's Education for the younger children and a leader is still needed for the older children. Some Chapel members attended the catechist training at St. James last weekend.

Reggie Sims reported on activities of the Christian Stewardship Commission. The Stewardship Committee met last night to explore ideas to increase pledges. They are reviewing 2003-2004 pledge lists and exploring customizing messages to each group, which would be followed up with a note or phone call. They are seeking feedback from the vestry on wording of letters to the 2003 pledgers perhaps offering the ability to give to specific ministries or expenses-having their pledge "stay within the parish" or perhaps suggesting a certain percentage increase. Reggie noted groups to be approached are past pledgers, new confirmands, new transferred in members and current pledgers. He suggested announcing in the newsletter that "A deficit budget had been approved with severe cuts in every area of ministry and the vestry will review and assess this budget at 6 months." A message from Paul could follow up the budget announcement with a positive tone, looking toward the future.

Treasurer's Report Al noted that the vestry should have a better picture of the budget status in another couple of months and the Stewardship Committee's efforts will help.

Senior Warden's Report Al reported 10 youth and 3 leaders are planning to go on the J2A Pilgrimage to Scotland this summer. Their fundraising appears to be mostly on schedule. They do have an alternate trip plan. Paul noted there should be a schedule for all fundraising projects.

Al said he had received a letter from the Long Range Planning Committee stating they would not recommend further work with Terry Eason until parish feedback is received. They also wanted questions answered regarding: 1) how Eason will be paid, 2) budget for a new church building, 3) plans to retire the debt and 4) official instruction by the vestry to restart the committee. After discussion, it was decided that Al would respond to the letter, communicating that the vestry to is comfortable moving forward in the process and financial issues will be addressed in the future. It was discussed that it might be good to have Terry Eason return for a parish-wide presentation. Al and Paul will meet with the Long Range Planning Committee.

Al also reported the new building loan had been accomplished. There will be interest payments only for one year and approximately $32,000 cash added to the building account.

The color copier has been leased and delivered. Color copying/printing will be used judiciously.

He reported that there is the possibility the golf tournament will be moved to Reunion. A tournament chairperson is being sought. Al will call Rusty Brown to request his assistance in firming up plans.

Junior Warden's Report Scott Carter reported there was a great turnout at the recent Saturday buildings and grounds Work Day. He is looking into adding a separate air conditioning system for the church kitchen.

Rector's Report Paul Pradat noted that Easter and Holy Week activities went well.

He said he had received positive feedback about the new signs.

The new server is in place. He asked for approval to spend appx. $300 for a database software upgrade. Al made the motion to approve the expenditure. Reggie Sims seconded the motion and it carried unanimously.

Paul reported the Gator key is now kept locked up and there is a check out process in place. It will not be used for recreational purposes or by minors.

The Wednesday night programs during the Great 50 Days of Easter are going well. He asked the vestry to support and attend the programs.

He noted there were a few small projects left to complete the youth rooms and a dedication will be planned in May. Al asked Paul to have Nat recover the skylights.

Pastoral Care process is going well and he is very pleased with how the teams are responding. It was suggested that groups and individuals be recognized in the newsletter for their good work and use of their talents.

Paul will write a letter to Tom Bobbitt for the signs he donated.

David Christian informed the vestry about the funeral arrangements for Frank Spencer's mother.

New Business Paul noted the New Member Ministry Committee will do some important work in welcoming and involving new and prospective members.

He reported there is a Ministry Fair planned for Sunday, May 16 at 10am in the parish hall. All committees are being asked to participate and provide displays and/or information about their activities.

The May vestry meeting will be on Thursday, May 20 to enable members to attend the last program on Wednesday night in the Celebration of the Great 50 Days of Easter series.

Reggie Sims made a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded and approved unanimously.