Vestry Minutes
September 19, 2006
Parker Hall
Participants
Present: H. Nicholas Baker, James M. Barnes, Noel R. Booker,
Carolyn C. Frazier, Downey M. Gray, Virginia L. Ray, Mary S. Sachs, Margaret
Scharre, Clyde K. Warner, David L. Webb; The Rev. J. Edward Morris.
Absent: Nancy Anderson, Laina Brown, James R. Hendon, Andrea
E. Morris, David L. Stewart.
Opening Prayer
The
meeting was called to order at 5:17 p.m.; Fr. Morris offered a meditation
followed by a brief discussion of the reading.
Minutes of August meeting
Corky Sachs moved the approval of the August 22, 2006 minutes of the vestry; seconded by Nick Baker. Motion carried.
Committee Reports
Finance:
Nick Baker and Fr. Morris
presented the financial statements through August
31, 2006. Corky
Sachs moved that the report be accepted; Ginger Ray seconded. Motion carried.
As response to a previous question regarding virtual
v. real funds in the temporarily restricted accounts, Jim Barnes explained that
all of the 3500 accounts are supported by corresponding checking accounts;
i.e., 1005, 1105, 1108, 1109. The bookkeeper is in the process of making sure
the appropriate transactions were recorded along these lines. He also explained
that the origin of 3135 (Church Plant Renovation) is unknown having had the
same ending balance for some time. The outside auditors were asked to look at
that, but internal audits have been made since that request. The Treasurer was
asked to look into the matter and also to check on 3005, Unrealized
Appreciation.
It was noted that a recent gift has been placed in
4060, Unrestricted Gifts. The Finance Committee is to recommend a policy for
handling future gifts and memorials. The Finance Committee has scheduled a
meeting to discuss the internal audit report of the 2004 finances and will
report at the next vestry meeting.
Jim Barnes announced that a credit card machine has
been obtained for use in accepting credit card transactions at the Unique
Boutique.
Carrie Frazier asked about the possibility of having a
direct debiting program whereby parishioners could opt to have monthly pledge
contributions automatically withdrawn from their personal checking accounts and
deposited in Calvary’s checking account. Jim Barnes agreed to look into the
matter.
Stewardship:
Downey Gray noted that the
newly designed pledge cards and the personal letter from Whiney Hardy,
Stewardship Chairperson, are ready to be mailed out. Sunday, October 8 has been
scheduled as kick-off day for the campaign and October 29 as the ending date.
By-Laws/Insurance/Legal:
Nick Baker presented the revised By-Laws for approval
of the vestry. Clyde Warner moved that the By-Laws be approved; Ginger Ray
seconded. Motion carried. The vestry extended its appreciation to Nick and the
committee for its work and these minutes reflect such appreciation.
Worship:
Jim Barnes drew the vestry’s attention to the September written staff report for Music. He noted that the service music in the hymnal is now being used more extensively. He also noted that the Blessing of the Animals service is scheduled for October 1, with October 8 as the rain date.
Fr. Morris noted that he plans to use incense on lesser feasts and fasts days rather than principal feasts and holy days. One exception will be Christmas Eve when incense will be used at one of the services. He plans to use incense on All Saints Sunday, November 5, at the 9:15 service. A baptism is scheduled for the 11:00 service that Sunday as well. Fr. Morris further noted that Christmas Eve, December 24, 2006, is a Sunday and that one service will be held that morning (Advent 4) with services that afternoon and evening.
Fr. Morris also announced that he has been in contact with the Music Department at UL and discussion are underway regarding using three or four UL music students to provide the music for three of the 9:15 services each month (organ will continue to be used on the fourth, and possibly fifth, Sundays). He noted that $40 per student per Sunday (including a prelude, a postlude and two hymns plus any rehearsal needed) has been discussed and that 5300, Music/Choir Salaries, would be used for this. Any overages would come from the Warner-Snyder Fund. The vestry approved unanimously.
Fr. Morris also noted that he would eventually like to have a fourth Chalicist at the 11:00 service (three at the rail and one in the nave) so that communion could move along more smoothly.
Christian
Formation:
David Webb drew the vestry’s attention to the September written staff report for Community and Christian Formation. He especially noted the successful opening of the Christian Formation program. Callie Hausman was thanked for the great welcoming decorations in the hall and on the stairway. Fr. Morris indicated that he would like the opening date to be earlier next year, perhaps a Labor Day to Memorial Day time frame. Fr. Morris further noted that 60 persons attended the Adult Christian Formation opening class led by Fr. Humke and that the Thursday evening discussion session also went well. The new weekday Bible Study class begins September 20.
Building,
House and Grounds:
Clyde Warner reported that the Property Committee has
met and assignments initiated. Additionally, carpets have been cleaned, the
basement has been cleaned and painting has begun.
Outreach:
Jim Barnes drew the vestry’s attention to the
September written staff report for Outreach. Of particular note is the new
College Ministry. Eight college students attended services on Sunday and the
group will meet after services Sunday, October 1, for lunch and to view and
discuss the movie Saved.
Communication:
Meg Scharre drew the vestry’s attention to the September written staff report for Communication. She noted that the Connection deadline is September 20 and that a get-together for newcomers is scheduled for October 20 at the home of the Bookers. She also reported that the new brochure is in final preparations.
Parish Life:
Ginger Ray reported that the
Unique Boutique is ready for opening. Ginger was thanked for the successful
parish picnic that was held at her home.
Junior Warden:
No report at this time.
Senior Warden:
Downey Gray
reported that the Executive Committee had successfully completed the annual
review of the Rector pursuant to the agreement between the Rector and the
vestry. Fr. Morris remarked that his tenure at Calvary has been a loving
experience for him and for his family. Nick Baker noted that during the search
he remarked to candidates that Calvary was hungry for leadership, but Calvary
hungers no longer – the need is being sated.
Rector:
No further
report at this time.
Old Business:
Jim Barnes announced that
the Nominations Committee had met and that four parishioners have already
agreed to stand for election to the vestry at the January Annual Parish
Meeting.
Downey Gray announced that
the Long Range Planning Steering Committee would meet on September 20 at his
home. Jay Magness would be in attendance.
The Program Council is to
meet again on November 12.
New Business:
None
Announcements:
None
The
next regularly scheduled meeting of the vestry is October 17, 5:15, Calvary
Church with Meg Scharre officiating Compline.
There
being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:10 p.m.) with Compline
officiated by Nick Baker.
Respectfully
submitted,
James
M. Barnes
Secretary
