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

Others present: David Christian, Associate Rector; Trace Swartzfager, Treasurer; Dale Marcum, Bookkeeper; John Benham, Stewardship/Annual Giving Committee Chair; and Jeannine Barrett, Clerk.

David Christian opened the meeting at 6:05 p.m. with prayers and meditation.

Ann Homer Cook presided over the meeting.

John Sewell was welcomed back, and he expressed his gratitude for the letters and cards sent to him during his sabbatical.

Report from Stewardship Chair: John Benham distributed handouts regarding the Stewardship/Annual Giving Committee and conducted a discussion regarding same. He advised that David Conn and Karen Kegley have recently volunteered for this committee and that other volunteers are needed and would be welcomed. David Christian and Don Long gave brief overviews of plans for discussions on stewardship to be held during the 10:00 hour in upcoming weeks. John Benham reported on the results of last year's pledge cards and outlined the procedures which will be implemented for this year's pledge cards.

Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the August, 2001 meeting were approved as submitted with two corrections.

OLD BUSINESS

Mannsdale Heritage Foundation: Al Doty provided further information regarding the Mannsdale Heritage Foundation. One of the main concerns of the Foundation currently is the proposed four-laning of Highway 463. Al Doty reported that one Board of Directors position has been "saved" for a Chapel of the Cross Vestry member. Any such Board of Director position would be covered by the liability insurance policy in effect. Clint Doby has indicated there is a person who would be willing to pay the Chapel's membership fee for the Foundation. There were concerns raised about the difficulty of a Chapel of the Cross Vestry member being able to vote on the Foundation Board due to the necessity of any such matters being presented to the Vestry prior to any vote being cast with the Foundation. Al Doty made a motion that the Vestry approve the Chapel of the Cross for a no-cost general membership. Don Long seconded the motion and, after discussion, the motion was approved with David Wilson voting against the motion. It was pointed out that Chapel of the Cross parishioners who are on the Board of Directors of the Mannsdale Heritage Foundation are: Al Doty, Clint Doby and Hermine Welch.

NEW BUSINESS

Treasurer's Report. The Operating Budget vs Actual for January through August 2001 was distributed. Trace Swartzfager pointed out that the amount ahead of budget is $7,570.54, partially due to increased membership after last year's stewardship drive was conducted. There were questions from the Vestry members and explanations from Trace Swartzfager and Dale Marcum regarding various entries on the Operating Budget vs Actual and Balance Sheet. The Balance Sheet as of August 31, 2001 includes the certificates of deposit which were recently obtained. Trace Swartzfager noted that there is an entry on this Balance Sheet listed as "Investments - Stock" and advised that stocks are usually sold as soon as possible after receipt of same; however, stock which was received on September 10, 2001 has not been sold due to the stock market being closed. Brooks Mosley recalled action taken by the Vestry last year regarding funds to be transferred in order to be put toward building fund debt. After discussion on the matter, Brooks Mosley made a motion that $25,000 be transferred out of the $112,253.41 in the operating account and applied to the principal of the mortgage. Linda Ross Aldy seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously. Since the last Vestry meeting, the Finance Committee met regarding mid-year budget revisions. Trace Swartzfager distributed a handout and gave an overview regarding those revisions. It was pointed out that the total Increase Budgeted Expenses should total $16,678 instead of the $16,378 reflected on the handout. Mention was made that the time of year is approaching when giving usually increases. John Sewell reported that during the twelve years he has been at the Chapel, giving has always been up during the final quarter of the year. There were questions regarding the Choir budget increases and pointed out that the figures should have been based on a four-month time period instead of a nine-month period. The Treasurer's Report was accepted as submitted.

Senior Warden's Report

Approval of a 30 day leave for Rev. David Christian. Ann Homer Cook asked that the Vestry consider a 30-day leave for Rev. David Christian and suggested that he be allowed to take the time off on an "as needed" basis. Linda Ross Aldy made a motion that a 30-day leave for Rev. David Christian to be taken at his discretion be approved. Suzanne Files seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. Ann Homer Cook made the clarification that this time off will be classified as a leave rather than a sabbatical.

Request to Finance/Compensation Review Committee to Review Salaries and Position Needs in Staff Office. Ann Homer Cook asked that the Finance/Compensation Review Committee look at proposed salary reviews, as well as needs for the office staff and bring recommendations regarding same to the Vestry.

Christian Growth Commission

Purchase of a Pager System for the Nursery. In an effort to improve the efficiency of the nursery, members of the Christian Growth Commission have made some improvements and are working on other improvements. A telephone has been installed in the nursery, information brochures have been printed and distributed, first aid kits have been obtained, staff changes have been made, and the staff now has smocks to wear when on duty. David Wilson gave a report on a quote for a pager system that the Commission has been checking on. The initial cost would be $1,700 which would provide an adequate number of pagers for the current number of children. David Wilson made a motion to approve the purchase of a pager system for the nursery. Linda Ross Aldy seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.

Purchase of a Pipe Organ for the Chapel. David Wilson provided information regarding a pipe organ that has been looked at for the Chapel. The cost would be $15,000, including installation. The cost of the organ itself would be a gift; however, the maintenance and upkeep would be the responsibility of the Parish. The organ weighs approximately 1,000 pounds, which should be well within the weight the floor will support without additional work. The current organ could be moved to the Parish Hall. It was reported that the organ is a used one; however it is in very good shape, and a comparable new organ could not be purchased for anywhere close to the same amount of money. The maintenance and tuning of the organ would not be a huge expense. Cathy Stroud made the motion, and Brooks Mosley seconded, that the organ be accepted as a gift with a clause that the organ be in good working order, to Ed Dacus' satisfaction, when installed, and provided the funds for the purchase of the organ are deposited prior to the order being placed. After discussion, the motion passed, with Oscar Hartman voting against it.

Christian Service Commission

Distribution of the Harry Strauss Golf Tournament Funds. Oscar Hartman reported that the money for the last two golf tournaments needs to be moved to the designated purposes. The 2000 tournament was to benefit the Servant Ministry Committee, while the proceeds from the 2001 tournament were to be designated by Cathy Strauss. The 2000 tournament earned $1,868.06 and the 2001 tournament, including a late $250 check, earned $1,844.21. Cathy Strauss has requested that the earnings from the 2001 tournament be distributed as follows: 1/3 into the Servant Ministry account, 1/3 into the J2A Pilgrimage Fund, and 1/3 into the Harry Strauss Memorial Fund. Additionally, Cathy Strauss would like future Harry Strauss Memorial Golf earnings to be split 50% to youth ministries and 50% to the Harry Strauss Memorial Fund. Oscar Hartman made the motion that the funds for the last two years' golf tournaments be distributed as requested. Cathy Stroud seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.

Christian Stewardship Commission

Purchase of a Tractor for Grounds. Wilson Carroll has run into problems with the tractor which is currently being used. Don Long distributed a handout on which there are two different quotes for tractors. The cost of current repairs which need to be made to the old tractor would be over $2,000 and the opinion is that the old tractor is about to become a "money rathole." The needs for a tractor on the Chapel grounds have changed such that one is not needed for mowing any longer; however, it is necessary that there be a tractor for hauling trash, tree limbs, etc. Don Long made the motion that approval be given to purchase the tractor for which the lower quote was given. Cathy Stroud seconded the motion. There were concerns expressed and discussion regarding whether the tractors for which quotes have been obtained would be suitable for the various needs of the Chapel. In response to questions regarding the selection of this particular type of tractor, it was pointed out that the wheels on this tractor are larger and will not cause damage to the ground as has been a problem in the past. It is also equipped to be hitched to the trailer which the Chapel already has. Oscar Hartman made an amendment to the motion that $5,000 plus the trade-in for the tractor be authorized with the provision that the tractor which is purchased must meet the needs for hauling dirt and other work done in connection with the cemetery. The Motion was unanimously approved.

Purchase of Sacristy Doors. David Wilson outlined the costs relating to the mahogany door which has been ordered to replace the broken sacristy door. The total cost for the door, staining, hardware and installation will be approximately $1,500 and should be ready in about two weeks. The funds for the cost of the door would come from the Day in the County restorations funds. David Wilson made the motion that the purchase and installation of the replacement sacristy door be authorized. Suzanne files seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Completion of Cemetery Fence. A handout was distributed showing the plans for the completion of the cemetery fence. The proposed fence would be 6-12 inches inside the barbed-wire fence. Another portion of the fence would be be moved back 5 feet because of the crepe myrtle tree. The proposed cost for the completion of the fence was calculated at $9,063. Don Long made a motion that up to $10,000 be authorized from the Cemetery Fund to complete the fence. Linda Ross Aldy seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved. It was pointed out that Charlie Craig has paid for the portion of the fence that is already installed. David Cox and his mother gave an $8,000 memorial gift and has requested that it be designated for the cemetery fence project. Ann Homer Cook expressed her interest in having the cemetery landscaped. She reported that there is a committee working on a proposal for this landscaping project.

Engaging Pace and Company to do Annual Audit. Pace and Company has been engaged to do the annual audit. No motion was necessary, as the Audit Committee has the authority for this action.

Items of Information Only (no action required)

Approval by Senior Warden for J2A to paint their meeting room.

Request for refurbishing of Chapel kneeling benches brought forward; John Stupka and Stan Herren to get price quotes.

Grave Diggers to be commissioned on October 21, 2001, with recognition being given to members who have dug ten or more graves.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m. with prayer.