SUMMARY

At its January meeting, the Vestry

1) adopted a pay plan for 2009, to include no increase in salaries;

2) after making some amendments to the recommendation of the Finance Committee, adopted the 2009 Budget and agreed to reconsider the issues of increases in salary and outreach in the spring, when more complete financial information is available;

3) set the date of the 2009 Annual Meeting for February 22, to be held in the church between the 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. services; and

4) previewed the Power Point presentation of the Narrative Budget 2009.

FOCUS SESSION

OPENING

PARISH CONCERNS

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

ROLLING ACTIONS

CONSENT AGENDA

CLERGY REPORTS

VESTRY OFFICERS & PARISH

ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS

Senior Warden

The report of the Sr. Warden is attached.

Junior Warden

The report of the Jr. Warden is attached.

Parish Administrator

The report of the Parish Administrator is attached.

Treasurer

The Treasurer’s Report is attached.

Mr. Monroe stated that, although the 2008 Budget is not final, the information to date is encouraging. Both current year pledges and unpledged contributions were up in 2008. Long-term investments, however, were down about 23%. Fortunately, the capital campaign funds were not invested in the marketplace but rather placed conservatively, so these funds have maintained their value.

Ms Cloud observed that some parishioners may be deciding to make unpledged contributions rather than make a pledge that they may not be able to sustain in this economy.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Master Plan Committee

Mrs. Craver reported that the committee has before it three proposed diagrams for phasing of construction and hopes to have a recommendation to bring to the Vestry in February.

Finance Committee

The report of the Finance Committee is attached. Also attached are the 2009 Budget Worksheet, the 2009 recommended Pay Plan, and an attachment comparing pledge figures 2003-2009.

Mr. Dill asked if the funding for the burial plaques could have come from the Cobb Fund, as this would save some budget money for other uses. Mrs. Baum will check with Mr. Varner about this possibility.

Mr. Monroe praised the budget managers for their thoughtful consideration of reductions and cost saving measures. He commented that the utilities line item is high, but this is to be expected, as it is not an optional expense.

Mr. Logan, noting the $16,000 line item for the music program, asked if the accrued interest from the James Fund could be used rather than budgeting additional money for this purpose. Mr. Dill commented that this would be comparable to what is being suggested for Campus Ministry, that is, allocating interest in the Campus Ministry Fund to support campus ministry programs. He determined that the interest in the James Fund is now at about $17,000. Following a question from Mr. Kelly about whether or not this would have any significant impact on the music program, Mr. Dill said that he will speak with Van Quinn about any potential impact.

Ms Cloud said that the Finance Committee, after consideration of three budget scenarios, has recommended a flat budget for 2009. She said that there appears to be consensus on the Vestry to delete the 1.5% salary increase and the 10% increase in outreach that had been recommended by the Finance Committee, changes that are necessary in order to maintain Program Fund reserves. The budget will reflect budgeting of 95% of revenues, a lower amount than in past years.

Mr. Satterwhite noted that the only increase in outreach is in the Diocesan Share line item, and this increase is offset by the decrease in support of the Episcopal Church of the Advocate.

It was moved by Mr. Logan, seconded by Mr. Kelly, and passed unanimously, that the Vestry adopt the 2009 Budget as amended, and further that the Vestry reconsider the issues of increases in salary and outreach when such information as is needed becomes available.

Mr. Satterwhite asked that the Vestry be provided with an updated version of the budget by the February meeting.

Mr. Logan noted that the Accounting Services line item reflects a 5% increase over 2008. He questioned this increase, stating that Debbie Kulik’s responsibilities have changed and are now more in the area of bookkeeping rather than accounting. Mr. Stockard raised the point that she no longer gets benefits. Mr. Elkins-Williams added that she has been responsible for an increased work load and that it is of utmost importance to maintain a steady and stable financial office.

Mrs. Gaillard asked about the seeming contradiction in the line items for the retired housekeeper in the budget itself and in the pay plan, and this was explained as the difference between health insurance and pension.

Mr. Joyner said that he hopes that outreach, as well as salaries, will be reconsidered for increases when additional information on the budget becomes available.

Mr. Elkins-Williams expressed thanks to Mr. Koch, the Annual Giving Committee, and the Finance Committee for their fine work in producing a recommended budget for 2009.

Personnel Committee

Mr. Logan commented again that no performance reviews have taken place this year, adding that such reviews do need to be done. Mr. Elkins-Williams said that although he had been on sabbatical, he did complete a review of the Christian Formation Director. He agreed that this is something that needs attention and thanked Mr. Logan for bringing it up.

Buildings and Grounds Committee

The report of the Buildings and Grounds Committee is attached.

Mrs. Baum would like to explore the possibility of updating the recording system in the church, as has been done in the chapel. She said that this project would cost $2100. The committee suggests using the rebate on the installation of the chapel recording system, plus any money that was budgeted for the chapel sound system that was not spent.

Mr. Hawkins asked about the question that was raised in the committee report of legal issues regarding the installation of cameras. The committee is exploring this issue.

Mr. Joyner asked if there is a plan to put a microphone at the lectern in the chapel, and Mrs. Baum replied that it is still being looked at.

Global Mission Committee

The report of the Global Mission Committee is attached.

Mrs. Craver told the Vestry that the committee is working on developing a tri-fold brochure to highlight the work of the committee

The committee is also working on an official charter and mission statement.

Social Ministry Committee

The report of the Social Ministry Committee is attached.

Mrs. McClaskey said that the committee is working to update its bylaws and guidelines. The archives have provided only partial information for this project.

OTHER REPORTS

CONCLUSION

LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

ADDENDUM