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· VESTRY MEETING MINUTES

· ANGLICAN FAITH

Vestry Meeting Minutes

July 14 , 2004

Vestry members present: Al Doty, Sr. Warden, Scott Carter, Jr. Warden, Brad Ewing, Philip Gaines, Bill Fanning, Suzanne Files, Ruby Medlin, Keith Obert, Reggie Sims.

Others present: Ron DelBene, Interim Rector, David Christian, Associate Rector, Steve Downs, Treasurer, Judy Barnes, Clerk

SCRIPTURE PRAYER The meeting was opened by Ron, who shared a scripture from Luke 24:13+ (Road to Emmaus) suggesting that this image of a journey can be an image of our journey of leadership being aware that Jesus walks in our midst as we deliberate. Ron presided over the meeting.

CONSENSUS ITEMS

Approval of June Minutes Suzanne Files made a motion to approve the June minutes as written, which was seconded by Brad Ewing and approved unanimously.

Approval of Financial Report Treasurer, Steve Down, provided copies of Operating Budget vs Actual/January through June 2004, which was briefly reviewed. It was suggested that an additional Annual Budget column be added. Bill Fanning made a motion to approve the report as presented which was seconded by Reggie Sims and approved unanimously. Steve reported that the Audit Report had been received and provided copies for review. Keith Obert made a motion to accept the Audit Report as written, which was seconded by Scott Carter and approved unanimously. Al Doty noted that the Finance Committee had met this week and planned to meet again in a couple of weeks to work on a revised budget after reviewing pledge and contribution changes. Paige Rasberry will not be replaced at this time. Her responsibilities have been divided between Judy and Carrie. They are encouraged to report to Ron if they experience difficulty with the workload.

David Christian's Sabbatical Ron distributed a copy of diocesan sabbatical guidelines. David is eligible for three months of sabbatical. He will take the month of August as sabbatical and September as vacation. Ron will oversee David's pastoral care responsibilities while he is away. Bill Fanning made a motion to approve David's sabbatical plans, which was seconded by Philip Gaines and approved unanimously.

Priorities for Interim's Ministry for first 4 months There was discussion of some of the vestry's stated priorities and it was noted that many were related. Ron described the qualities of church types: Family, Pastoral, Program and Resource. He will gather information regarding various issues and report back to the vestry. From the Vestry's list of priorities, three tentative ones were stated: 1) Strategize Program Overview, 2) Inspirational Community Building, 3) Look at Systemic Growth. He would like to have a specific theme for fall programming and will plan educational offerings and other Wednesday night activities. These will be revisited at the next Vestry meeting.

UPDATES FOR OUR INFORMATION

Honduras Mission Sunday Celebrations Ron noted bread and wine has been consecrated for Frank Spencer to take on the mission trip and the workers' worship on Sunday is planned to coincide with worship here. There will be reminders of them as the Gospel is read in Spanish and the clergy wear their colorful Honduran stoles.

Diocesan Training Day Ron provided the vestry with brochures about the upcoming event. He noted the resource person for the special stewardship training is excellent and he encouraged all vestry members to attend. Ron also handed out Vestry Papers and asked for someone to go on line and download previous issue topics of interest. Reggie Sims volunteered to do this.

Commission Reports

Brad Ewing reported on the Christian Stewardship Commission. He noted that there had been a good response to the midyear pledge requests with around $8000 in one time gifts and $18,000 in new or increased pledges. The Finance Committee will review the pledge status in detail for the next vestry meeting. Brad and Ron will look at what to do next regarding this campaign. Ron would like to send a letter to all those who prepaid or increased their pledge and those who gave a one time contribution. He and Brad are hoping on starting the 2005 pledge campaign right after Day in the Country. Bill Fanning reported he is exploring ways to increase the cemetery's capacity and will create a new plot map. He was asked to gather a task force to include Ron, a Gravesdiggers Guild representative, someone from Pastoral Care and Long Range Planning Committee member and report back to the vestry after they examine cemetery options.

Philip Gaines gave the report for the Christian Growth Commission. Dick Lawrence is already working with Nat on youth ministries. Preparations for Vacation Bible School are underway. Keith Obert noted it is time for another acolyte training day, which was scheduled for Saturday, August 14 9am until noon. Getting their robes cleaned has become a problem. Keith also discussed that an usher training has not been scheduled in several years and there probably ought to be one this fall. A new chairman for the usher teams is needed. Ron said he will help with usher training.

The Christian Service Commission report was provided by Suzanne Files. She reported Pastoral Care is going well and the teams are responding to births, hospitalizations and deaths. Plans for Day in the Country are progressing. Keith Obert reported that there have been discussions with Co-Sin members about having another Luau fundraiser. Ron suggested that fundraisers should be coordinated with Finance Committee. Keith Obert made a motion that, subject to agreement by the Finance Committee, Co-Sin Group and Youth Formation Committee to coordinate a Luau fundraiser, the vestry approves proceeding with the event. The motion was seconded by Brad Ewing and approved unanimously.

OTHER AGENDA ITEMS An Automatic External Defibrillator has been offered to the Chapel. Lou Ann Woodward would train volunteers in its use. A task force consisting of Reggie Sims, Suzanne Files and Keith Obert will research liability and appropriate policies for its use and report back at the next vestry meeting.

WARDENS' REFLECTIONS ON MINISTRY Scott Carter reported Tom Bobbitt is working on the new playground design. Al Doty noted attendance was down in June compared to May.

CLERGY REFLECTIONS ON MINISTRY David Christian expressed appreciation for his upcoming sabbatical. He looks forward to rest and reflection and will examine options for his other two months of sabbatical later. Ron DelBene told the vestry that staff meetings will be on Thursday mornings and his days off will be Mondays and Tuesdays. He said James' Thursdays off could easily be changed to Fridays. Ron has talked with diocesan consultant, Leigh Jensen, and will meet with her soon. He has talked to Bishop Gray about her role. He noted the bishop is very supportive of the Chapel.

REFLECTION PRAYER Uniting with our mission team in Honduras, together we prayed A Prayer Celebrating our Ministry.

The meeting adjourned.

The next regular meeting is Wednesday, August 16, 2004 at 6:30 p.m.