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· VESTRY MEETING MINUTES

· ANGLICAN FAITH

Vestry Meeting Minutes

June 25 , 2003

Vestry members present: Oscar Hartman, Senior Warden; Scott Carter, Junior Warden; Linda Aldy; Al Doty; Bill Fanning; Suzanne Files; Philip Gaines; Susan Lawrence; Keith Obert

Others present: Judy Barnes, Clerk; David Christian, Priest in Charge; Steve Downs, Treasurer; Ruby Medlin, Children's Education Chairman

David Christian opened the meeting with a meditation.

Oscar Hartman presided over the meeting. BUSINESS:

Approval of Minutes. Linda Aldy made the motion to approve the minutes as written. Al Doty seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Commission Reports.
Suzanne Files updated the vestry on the Christian Service Commission's activities. She announced that Maridine Wall is the new chairperson of the Servant Ministry Committee. A committee meeting is scheduled for Saturday, June 28.

It was noted that Wednesday Night Suppers have ended for the summer. Suppers are over budget and some solutions were discussed to address this, such as billing standing reservation families when they do not come or call to cancel their reservation. Suppers are planned to begin again on August 13. Chris Russell will be contacted to determine if he will continue preparing the meals.

Junior Warden, Scott Carter, informed the vestry that the foundation work on the Dewees House has been completed. A check has been received from the insurance company for roof repairs, gate arch and other storm damage. Scott reported that David Wilson had an historic architect do a study of the house. In his report he said decisions should be made before restoration work is begun as to how the structure will be used, funding and maintenance. The vestry agreed that the project can wait until a new rector is in place. Scott said that the house and garage/apartment need painting now and he is getting quotes to get that done.

Al Doty reported on the Christian Growth Commission. He introduced Ruby Medlin, who provided the vestry with results of her research into measures to upgrade the nursery rooms. There are furnishings and equipment that will need to be purchased. One room will be equipped for infants and the other for toddlers. Other items she suggested were fabric wall hangings and window toppers to help the noise level and cushioned mats for sitting. She has found the exterior doors need improved weather proofing. It was noted that there are many new babies in the parish and that the nursery is often the first impression a visitor has of the church. Ruby anticipates that the needed upgrades would cost $6500. Keith Obert made the motion to increase the nursery budget by $6500 from the building fund for the necessary equipment and upgrades. The motion was seconded by Philip Gaines and approved unanimously by the vestry.

Ruby spoke briefly about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program being put in place for the younger children. She said the presentation by Mary Nell Pritchard on Sunday, June 22 was quite good and a tape will be available for those who could not attend. She invited the vestry to visit the model room that is set up. She said the leader training is open to anyone. Ruby said the older children would initially continue with the Episcopal Sunday School curriculum. Different levels of the Catechesis program will be phased in. It was noted that the age/class divisions may be adjusted for Rite 13 and J2A. Children's Sunday School classes are suspended for the summer while the classrooms are being set up.

Al said the adult classes are continuing to meet through the summer. He said plans for Vacation Bible School at the end of July are coming along well.

David Christian reported that Children's Church would probably be discontinued for the rest of the summer and Lee Anne Bryan and Cori Ciaccio were sending out a parent survey. There has been a problem with the assigned parent leaders not showing up when they are scheduled.

Keith Obert also noted that there have been problems also with acolytes and ushers not showing up when scheduled. The vergers are planning a training day probably for the third Saturday in August. There may be an usher training at the same time. They are looking at ways to recruit and improve attendance.

David discussed that there has been some concern about safety and activities for children who are on site on Wednesday nights. This was tabled for later discussion.

Al reported that the organ has had damage caused by mice and the repair estimate is $1950. He said the work does not have to be done immediately but should be scheduled fairly soon. Linda Aldy made a motion and Oscar Hartman seconded it to authorize $1950 for the organ repair. It was approved unanimously.

There was discussion of mouse problems noticed in the education building, chapel and Dewees House. Orkin Pest Control has put out poison bait on several occasions. Scott Carter was asked to look into any other options.

Susan Lawrence gave the youth report. She said there is no regular EYC during the summer but there have been youth trips. The high school youth went to Honduras to build 2 houses. They had a great time and worked well together. She said there was a junior high trip to Houston a few days ago and a trip was planned for this Saturday to Geyser Falls water park. Oscar said there were issues related to trip planning and funding. The Honduras trip expenses went over budget $5000. Barbara McDonald and the youth formation committee will be meeting to address this and other issues and report back by fall. Oscar said any out of pocket expenses would be refunded.

Treasurer's Report. Steve Downs presented the June financials. Financial statements for January-April, 2003 were mailed out to the parish June 3.

Clergy Report. David Christian reported that Bronson Bryant, a retired priest who had served at Trinity Church in Pass Christian, will act as supply priest during his vacation in July. David will talk with him about possibly helping out some in August also. He will probably come into town on Saturday each week and stay through Wednesday. The expected costs for July would be $200 per day or about $2500 and about $2000 for lodging in an extended stay hotel. Funds are already budgeted in the clergy category. Bill Fanning made the motion to allot up to $10,000 to contract with Bronson Bryant for clergy assistance as he and David work out. The motion was seconded by Suzanne Files and unanimously approved.

Update on Education Building. Bill Fanning shared completed layout drawings of the project and said he now has electrical plans and detailed kitchen cabinet plans. He provided a cost estimate sheet and a work schedule. He estimates that using some church and contract labor the project could cost $65,000 or about $17.50 per square foot. It was discussed that fund raising efforts will need to begin and also that there are some parishioners who have already expressed an interest in giving money for the project. Bill will be away for the month of August but David Cado is willing to coordinate the project. Phase 1 could begin soon with electrical, mechanical and sprinklers for approximately $30,000. Linda Aldy made the motion to authorize an initial $30,000 for phase 1 to get the project underway and that Robert Pooley and the Stewardship Committee will be asked to begin fund raising immediately for the total project cost of $65,000. Al Doty seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously.

Executive Session. Linda Aldy made the motion to go into executive session, which was seconded by Bill Fanning and approved by the vestry. There was a general discussion on personnel issues and proposed policy revisions. There was general discussion regarding David Christian's ministry, especially for the period January 2002 through June 2003 as Priest in Charge at the Chapel. In order to recognize his outstanding efforts, as well as express the warm affection of the Parish towards David and his family, Suzanne Files moved, and Bill Fanning seconded a motion to award David a net bonus of $12,000. The bonus is to be allocated between stipend and housing in a manner consistent with how his current payments are allocated. The motion carried unanimously.

Al Doty moved and Keith Obert seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:15. The motion was approved unanimously.

The next scheduled meeting of the vestry is Wednesday July 23, 2003.