At its meeting on March 27, the vestry:

• Approved the nomination of Jim Buie to the Social Ministry Committee

• Approved the recommendations from the Social Ministry Committee for disbursement of $1200 from Discretionary Outreach funds to Orange County Sponsoring Committee, and of $2000 from the Social Ministry Fund to the Inter-Faith Council for Social Services.

Following a bag supper, the Vestry met in focus session in the parish library to hear a presentation by John Koch , Director of Stewardship and Development, on the progress of the Capital Campaign. . Vestry members present were Melody Savage (Sr. Warden), Ann Henley (Jr. Warden), Terry Eason , Clare Baum , Gail Cloud , Sandra McClaskey , David Dill , Ele Ross , Larry Logan , Jimmy Satterwhite , Also present were Vicky Jamieson-Drake (Associate for Pastoral Ministry), David Frazelle , (Associate for Parish Ministry), Mary Anne Handy (Parish Administrator ), Barney Varner , (Assistant Treasurer), Bill Joyner (Deacon), Bill Stockard , (New Vestry Member)

Ms Savage opened the executive session at 6:30 p.m. and then turned the floor over to John Koch .

Mr. Koch presented a brief statement on his time here at Chapel of the Cross, as well as an outline of his vision of stewardship at the COTC . John supported his statements with biblical references, and that talking about money is something that Christ did. John feels that the church must rethink their philosophy. We should encourage students and children to support stewardship, and that this message should be spread through preaching from the pulpit. Annual giving awareness should start much earlier in the year, and be hand in hand with stewardship efforts. Increased growth should mean increased overall income.

John then opened the floor to questions.

Sandra McClaskey asked about how did the Long Range Planning group come up with the figures that gave projected increases for the parish. It was explained by Terry Eason as and additional service each to the chapel and the church and an increase of 50 more people to the 11:15 .

Tony Hawkins asked John to explain stewardship from the standpoint of Time and Talent. He felt that taking care of our resources and what we have will flow into an increased monetary position. David Dill agreed on this point.

Ele Ross pointed out the difference between giving and pledging.

David Frazelle liked the idea of a strong stewardship, cultivating a healthy reason for stewardship and the value of it in our spiritual lives.

It was brought up that the phone-a-thon that is done during Annual Giving, is a great way to connect with the people of the parish, by Ele Ross .

In closing, it was decided that the Vestry should be the models for all church behavior, including stewardship, and to not be afraid of change.

The March meeting of the Vestry was held in the parish library on Thursday, March 27, 2008. Vestry members present were Melody Savage (Sr. Warden), Ann Henley (Jr. Warden), Terry Eason, Chip Hill, Clare Baum, Gail Cloud, Larry Logan, Sandra McClaskey, David Dill, Ele Ross, and Jimmy Satterwhite.. Also present were Vicky Jamieson-Drake (Associate for Pastoral Ministry),David Frazelle (Associate for Parish Ministry), John Koch (Director of Stewardship and Development), Mary Anne Handy (Parish Administrator), Barney Varner (Assistant Treasurer), Bill Joyner (Deacon), Bill Stockard, (Incoming Vestry member)

In the absence of the Rector, the Sr. Warden presided and opened the business meeting at 7:15 p.m.

Bible Study

The Bible study for the evening took place was lead by Sandra McClaskey.

Timekeeper
Mr. Satterwhite volunteered to serve as timekeeper.

PARISH CONCERNS

Ms Savage brought up the topics to be discussed at Bishop Marble’s visit on April 20. She also welcomed incoming Vestry member Bill Stockard, to the meeting.
Dr. Joyner brought up the inability to here in the Church, it was suggested that Rob Sullivan and David Brown look into the PA system. It was also suggested that the celebrant recheck the system.

There were no corrections made to the minutes of to the focus session of February 27, nor to the minutes of the Vestry meeting of February 27.

It was moved by Mr. Satterwhite, seconded by Mr. Logan, and passed unanimously, that the Vestry approve the minutes the focus session of February 27, and the minutes of the Vestry meeting of February 27.

Ms. Handy indicated that the tokens for the Rosemary St. lot will be used by workers at the ABC sale. She also confirmed that the line item for these is “Other Parish Programs.” Approximately $250.00 was spent under this heading last year, and with the cost for EYC being absorbed by their budget, this amount will be more than enough to accommodate the current usage. Ms. Baum will also follow up with the sound system issues.

The following items were placed on the Consent Agenda (attached, along with Social Ministry Committee recommendation form and tracking forms):

-nomination of Jim Buie to the Social Ministry Committee

-recommendation of the Social Ministry Committee for disbursement of $1200 from Discretionary Outreach Funds to Orange County Sponsoring Committee.

-recommendation of the Social Ministry Committee for disbursement of $2000 from the Social Ministry Fund to Interfaith Council.

It was moved by Mr. Eason, seconded by Mr. Dill, and passed unanimously that the Vestry approve the Consent Agenda.

No reports this month; David and Emily Frazelle are expecting a baby. Ms. Savage thanked all of the clergy for the beautiful Easter services.

Senior Warden
The Sr. Warden’s report is attached.

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

Parish Administrator

Treasurer
Attached are the Treasurer’s Narrative Report for March 2008 and the Combined Balance Sheets as of February 29, 2008.

Mr. Varner filled in for Mr. Monroe, who is out of town. After reviewing the attachments, Ms. Cloud noted that she would prefer to examine the actual expenditures of l2007, not the projected budget. Those groups that did spend their full budget should stay at 2007 spending levels, regardless of the budget amounts. Every piece of the budget counts, we need to be good stewards of our resources.
Mr. Logan asked how much this type of action will impact the budget. Per Barney, approximately 10,000 to 40,000. He also suggests that we hold spending on all levels and that the situation is not as grave as it is painted. However, this trend cannot continue into 2009, otherwise, we will have to have drastic cuts.

Ms. Savage stated that she has been attending staff meetings and feels that we should be careful what is said in regards to this financial situation until appropriate actions are decided. It is necessary to be supportive of the clergy and staff and to limit conjecture. Ms. Savage feels that Stephen should be part of this discussion, and that the parish should also be made aware.
Mr. Eason noted that the April focus and Mr. Varner reiterated that the problem facing us today is a revenue problem not an expense issue and that an increased in tithing is needed. Mr. Hawkins requested that time and talent is included under this heading as well. Mr. Logan brought up the subject of proportional giving and has this ever been presented to the parish. He was told yes it had. Ms. Cloud asked how, by letter, by sermon?
Ms. Henley asked who would be at the focus session. Also, what were the options and the plans for this recommendation? Mr. Varner feels that it is the vestry that should set the pace. Mr. Dill brought up his question of last meeting concerning the unexpended endowment funds? Mr. Varner showed him in the budget the amount involved. After some additional comments about the focus of the April session, Ms. Savage said that she would send an email to Mr. Hill requesting information on the subjects brought up.

It was also noted that a report on the Capital Campaign’s financial progress is included in this packet. Mr. Varner reviewed this with the vestry and some questions were raised concerning the control checks and balances of their financial process. Mr. Logan suggested that Mr. Monroe be the final sign off for expenses not the Campaign treasurer, but it was noted that the Vestry ultimately approves the budget and as long as the expenses are within the budget, this should not be a problem.Mr. Logan still feels that items that are over 25,000 should be approved by the Vestry anyway. All checks for the Capital Campaign will be signed by the Wardens or the Treasurer. Ms. Savage suggested that Mr. Eason amends the document and present it to the Capital Campaign with the suggestions. Mr. Varner felt this might be too much control. Ms. Savage then suggested a quarterly budget not an annual one, and that these changes will be forwarded to John McGee. It was noted that the history of pledges was not included in the report to save paper, but is available upon request.

Finance Committee
The report of the Finance Committee (COTA Budget Options) was not included due to a problem with email. Copies will be sent to Vestry Members as soon as they are available and will be included with the handouts. (This was not known at the time of Ms. Cloud’s concern about not having this report.)

Buildings and Grounds Committee
The report of the Buildings and Grounds Committee is attached.

Ms Baum said that the meeting was chaired by Mr. Logan in her absence. The issue of the memorial plaques and the placement of these new stones. Mr. Logan brought up the issue of the cost of the engraving and should this be increased. This could help pay for the stones. These issues will be addressed at a later date.

Personnel Committee
No report attached, Mr. Logan did present the copy of the job description for the assistant to Mr. Koch There was some discussion about the salary range. Mr. Koch said that it will not be as big a job as originally thought. Maybe 10 hours a week and not for a volunteer, as suggested by Ms. McClaskey. This is due to the confidential nature of the material. The description was approved by the vestry.

Social Ministry Committee

The report of the Social Ministry Committee is attached. Dr. Joyner will ask some representatives from ECM to come to talk about their trip to Honduras over spring break.

Global Mission Committee

The report of the Global Mission Committee is attached.

Ms.Henley commented on the Honduras Night that was presented by ECM-ers who went on the trip. It was very inspiring and worthwhile and highlighted how by the students helping the children, they were comforted in their grief over the death of Eve Carson. Ms. Henley spoke of her trip with Margy Wills to see the Bishop of Honduras and discussed some of his requests for funding.

In closing it was noted that the Capital Campaign is having a dinner following their meeting on April 23, the entire vestry is invited. It will be held in room 4&5.

David Frazelle closed the meeting with a prayer, and it was adjourned at 8:45pm.

LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

(Attachments are available in the library for review.)

Ms Savage and Mr. Hill - Notify employees of 0% salary increase, communicate to parish the hope for reinstatement of recommended salary increases following April review, and thank those responsible for monitoring expenses in 2007. Done

Ms Savage, Mr. Logan, and Mr. Eason - Work on proposal to ensure Vestry slate of eight nominees.

Ms Savage - Write an apology to staff for failure to receive official notification of 0% salary increase, and include an explanation for the lack of salary increases. Done

Mrs. Handy - Try to cash in remaining municipal lot tokens.

Mrs. Handy - Check to see from which line item parking coupons/tokens were purchased last year.