At its meeting on November 15, the vestry:

• Heard an update on the Annual Giving Campaign

• Learned that John Koch, former director of the Summit, has been hired as Director of Stewardship and Development and will begin work on December 10

• Approved a Letter of Agreement between the Rector and Barbara Hastings as Campaign Administrator to be paid from capital campaign funds

• Set the parish’s Annual Meeting for Sunday, February 3, 2008

• Heard a report on proposed changes to the vestry election process

• Approved a recommendation from the Personnel Committee that changes to year end vacation and sick time carry-over allow exempt, non-clergy Program Directors to carry over of up to four weeks of accrued leave and allow non-exempt staff to carry over two and one half weeks of accrued leave.

• Heard a report from Lisa Fischbeck, Vicar, and Barbara Rowan, Senior Warden, about the Church of the Advocate

• Approved a request from the Social Ministry Committee that funds from the Discretionary Outreach Fund be dispersed in the amount of $500 to Chatham Habitat for Humanity and $500 to People of Faith against the Death Penalty.

Following a bag supper, the Vestry met in an extended focus session in the parish library to hear a presentation from the Global Mission Team, Martha Dill, Margy Will and Jerry Cotten. Vestry members present were Ann Henley (Jr. Warden), Terry Eason, Clare Baum, Gail Cloud, Larry Logan, Sandra McClaskey, David Dill, Ele Ross, Jimmy Satterwhite and Tony Hawkins. Also present were Stephen Elkins-Williams (Rector), Vicky Jamieson-Drake (Associate for Pastoral Ministry), Bill Joyner (Archdeacon), Martha Brimm (Diocesan Intern),

Ms. Henley began the session by introducing the team. Martha Dill shared the vision of the team, citing “Compassion in Transformation” as the basis for the vision of the mission team. Those present were asked to provide a definition of what Global Missions means to them, as a prelude to the start of the presentation. Martha gave the definition of compassion as literally share and break bread, and that this is meant to share the Eucharist with our neighbors. Martha read from and reflected on the Good Samaritan gospel, which clearly issues the command of considering our entire neighbor.
Margy Will then pointed out that the Samaritan is not a Jew, or an Episcopalian, or even an Anglican and that mission is an act of mutual transformation. The definition of compassion is “to suffer with.” Margy was recently back from Haiti, where she saw acute suffering. She felt if this situation was difficult for her, how the Haitians must feel. Missioners are faced with not getting the task done, but suffering with.
Margy described the diocese’s new relationship with Botswana, and extended that notion to the towns that surround us. We need to let the ideas for help and improvement come from those we are trying to help, not the other way around. She reminded us to be hospitable to those who come to visit us in Chapel Hill.
Jerry Cotten finished up the presentation with a moving account of his visit to Honduras. He told of the extreme poverty of the region and that Honduras is the second poorest country in the region. Jerry pointed out that the tremendous resources of the Chapel of the Cross should compel us to step up and help our neighbors. It is the same Spirit and the same Lord wherever we go.
Terry Eason described the change in his original definition after the presentation, indicating that mutuality is a much more important element then he first realized. .
Larry Logan felt that the experiences in Honduras should strengthen our faith. Stephen thanked everyone who came and spoke, and the session was concluded. The vestry then moved to the formal part of the agenda.

The November meeting of the Vestry was held in the parish library on Thursday, November 15, 2007. Vestry members present were Ann Henley (Jr. Warden), Terry Eason, Clare Baum, Gail Cloud, Larry Logan, Sandra McClaskey, David Dill, Ele Ross, Tony Hawkins, and Jimmy Satterwhite. Also present were Stephen Elkins-Williams (Rector), Vicky Jamieson-Drake (Associate for Pastoral Ministry), Bill Joyner (Archdeacon), Mary Anne Handy (Parish Administrator) and Gary Monroe, Treasurer.

The meeting began at 7:00 pm with Bible Study, led by Ms. Baum. The Gospel reading appointed for the day was Matt. 16:1-12. Ms. Baum concluded the Bible study with prayer.
The Rector presided and opened the business meeting at 7:15 p.m.

Selection of Timekeeper: Jimmy Satterwhite agreed to keep time

PARISH CONCERNS

Larry Logan suggested that the status of the Capital Campaign be addressed by Stephen in a letter to the parish. The Rector replied that an update would appear in the December Crossroads and that more visibility was coming in 2008.

Following additions were made to the minutes:
Larry Logan asked regarding page 8, to please note “Standardize policies per LSA laws.”
Ann Henley asked that regarding page 5, a note be added to thank Larry Logan for his hard work with the selection of a Director of Development.

It was moved by Mr. Dill, seconded by Ms. Henley, and passed unanimously, that the Vestry approve the minutes of the focus session of October 18 minutes of the Vestry meeting of October 18 as amended.

Approval of the omination of Cinda Meyers and Ned Adams to the Social Ministry Committee.

It was moved by Ms. Henley seconded by Tony Hawkins, and passed unanimously, that the Vestry approve the Consent Agenda.

Commenting on item 2 of the report, Mr. Elkins-Williams announced that John Koch, former director of The Summit, has been hired as Director of Stewardship and Development. Mr. Koch will begin work on December 10. He will be assisted by Barbara Hastings for administrative support up to 15 hours per week.

The Rector also suggested that due to his sabbatical beginning in February that the Annual Meeting be set for Sunday, February 3. It was moved by Larry Logan and seconded by Jimmy Satterwhite to hold the Annual Meeting on Feb. 3, 2008. The motion carried unanimously.
The Rector also passed out an update from Margaret Conrad, Co-chair of the Capital Campaign Cabinet. There is $450, 000 on hand of about $1,500,000 pledged. Progress is being made, although the goal of 20 million is still far off. The Campaign Cabinet will present an updated proposal at the December Vestry meeting. December. Vicky Jamieson-Drake raised a question about the design. Terry Eason replied that it is a rendition, not an archtechial plan.
Ann Henley noted that Ted Vaden will be providing regular updates as part of the Communication Committee. Larry Logan asked if we need a letter to go out to the parish? He felt this is important and should come from the Rector. The Rector indicated that he will send one out in January. Tony Hawkins requested that it be kept short. Terry Eason also requested that the Campaign be given a prominent place on the website.

Archdeacon

Mr. Joyner presented to the Vestry, the proposed changes to the election process. Mr. Joyner indicated that the place to make any changes to the by-laws is at the Annual Meeting. A discussion on the attachments brought up questions from Terry Eason concerning when and where services take place that allow for the voting process. Tony Hawkins asked who would present the changes; it was suggested that this be the Senior Warden. It was decided to take time to consider the report and to take action on it at the December Vestry meeting.

Senior Warden
No report this month.

Junior Warden
The Jr. Warden’s report is attached.

Ms Henley gave an update on the Annual Giving Campaign. To date, 381 pledges, totaling $924,000 have been received. Ms. Henley also brought up the CEEP Convention to be held in St. Louis, February 21-23. Many good workshops very well presented and strongly recommended John Koch and other members of the Vestry attend. One of the topics will be The 10 Year Plan for the Episcopal Church. There is money budgeted for this specifically.

Parish Administrator

Treasurer
Attached are the Treasurer’s Narrative Report for November 13, 2007 and the draft Combined Balance Sheets as of October 31, 2007.
Per Gary Monroe, he was in a factory in Sri Lanka and received a Buddhist blessing, and gave a detailed description of what is entailed with boiling milk and wearing a unity string for thirty days. Gary told the group of the dire conditions in that area, which led into his report on cash flow, (it is tight). A large pledge that is generally received in December came in early and this helped with a difficult month. Payment of the organ was brought up, and how to do it. The bank loan has been paid, but Gary indicated that we now need to pay ourselves back.

Finance Committee
The report of the Finance Committee is attached.

Mr. Hill submitted report by email, but was not present at the meeting.

Buildings and Grounds Committee
The report of the Buildings and Grounds Committee is attached.
Ms. Baum indicated that the request for a Dutch door for the nursery has been denied.
It was also noted that there are a large number of master keys out, and Ms. Baum requested that Ron McGill keep track of this.

Personnel Committee
The report of the Personnel Committee is attached. Also attached is a series of items for Vestry action.

Mr. Logan explained the recommended actions for the Vestry to include:

Approval of the Letter of Agreement between the Rector and Barbara Hastings as Campaign Administrator to be paid from campaign funds.

Recommendation that changes to year end vacation and sick time carry over for exempt, non-clergy Program Directors to allow carry over of up to four weeks of accrued leave and carry over for Non-exempt staff of two and one half weeks of accrued leave.

The creation of a part time Associate Organist/Choirmaster was held off to the December meeting, pending the presentation of a job description. It would be a part time position.

Motion by Larry Logan and seconded by Jimmy Satterwhite. Approved

Presentation by Lisa Fischbeck and Barbara Rowan of the Church of the Advocate:

Lisa gave an update on the progress of the Church of the Advocate to date. They have been using an apartment on Ephesus Church Road Street as a gathering place for ministry and their offices, but will be moving to Carrboro to a place on Main Street. Services are still held in Chapel Hill at Kelliah, and she feels that the ads that have been running on NPR have had a positive impact on membership. COA is now 4 years old, and offers a different type of worship than the two other Episcopal Churches in Chapel Hill. They have approximate 135 members, and are actively seeking land to build their church. There have been a few very encouraging opportunities, but lack of financing has effected them. The place in Carrboro will sport a sign advertising the Church of the Advocate, which should be a big asset. The location is between Club Nova and the Mexican Market, across from IFC, another advantage. To date they have $450,000 on hand to purchase land with the going rate in excess of $1,000,000. Tony Hawkins brought up some real estate options and volunteered to meet with those involved with the project. Lisa outlined the revenue sources for 2008:
$198,000 including 104,00 in pledges, 35,000 from Chapel of the Cross, 7,000 from St. Matthews, 5,000 from Holy Family and 20,000 from the diocese.
Lisa gave an overview of her sabbatical and how restful and insightful it was.
Barbara Rowan, as senior warden, commented on the four years of the church. She told the Vestry of Matthew Wright’s appointment as an intern for the Advocate. for the diocese of Western North Carolina. Services are Sunday at 5:00 pm, with an 11:00 service at the office. Dinner is also served after the evening Eucharist that has become very popular.

Social Ministry Committee

The report of the Social Ministry Committee is attached.
The committee requested that the Vestry approve funds to Chatham Habitat for Humanity in the amount of $500 and to People of Faith against the Death Penalty in the amount of $500. Funds to come from Discretionary Outreach Fund. Jimmy Satterwhite also outlined plans to have Christmas meals and to push the project for mosquito nets. Approved?

Global Mission Committee

The report of the Global Mission Committee is attached.
Ms. Henley went over the partnership with Botswana. Rev. John Keith, (new priest associate) now serves on the parish and the diocese’s Global Mission Committees.

Announcements

The next meeting of the Vestry will take place on December, 13. The Rector announced that the Orange County Habitat Board had requested permission to use the parish mailing list in raising matching funds for a Steward’s Fund grant, but that he had denied that request since our policy is not to make the list available.

Mr. Elkins-Williams offered a prayer and the meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.

LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

(Attachments are available in the library for review.)