Draft for Final Approval at the 2016 Annual Meeting
Minutes of the 2015 Annual Meeting
Emmanuel Episcopal Church
December 13, 2015
Father Robert Salamone called the meeting to order at 10:20 a.m.
Nomination and Election of Secretary
Fr. Robert nominated Sue Boatright to be the recording secretary for the annual meeting. The motion was seconded from the floor and approved.
Approval of Minutes from 2014 Annual Meeting
Fr. Robert noted that he did not get the minutes from the last annual meeting printed to be available. These minutes were approved last year by the vestry but are not fully approved until those in attendance at the next annual meeting have validated them. The 2014 minutes will be printed in the upcoming January 2016 News from the Narthex.
Introduction of Vestry Nominees
As one of the outgoing vestry, Erik Wells chaired the Vestry Nominating Committee. Erik explained that the committee is formed by the four outgoing vestry members plus two ad hoc members. The committee this year consisted of Erik, Sarah Ehlers, Shooter Roberts, Clara Herrin, Sandy Jarret, and Jay Shinn.
The proposed vestry slate for 2016 is comprised of Terrie Seward, Rob Hoyt, Ellen Cowne, and Bill Fox.
Fr. Robert appreciates the hard work of the committee and those in the community who have offered to serve for the next three years helping the parish grow into its future. These are very fine individuals who bring special gifts to what we are.
Rector’s Reflections
This meeting is a time for us to come together and say “thanks” to one another, truly celebrating who we are as a parish. We should take stock of where we’ve been and who we would like to become in our service to each other and in our service to the community at large.
Fr. Robert referenced the Old Testament reading today from the Book of Zephaniah. The time then was described as devastation, calamity, and ruin. Many of those words can possibly be applied to the world today. But, the Book of Zephaniah takes a dramatic turn later with strong words of encouragement. Those words can be taken to heart and we can realize that there is no one outside of us who can make us afraid. Fear is the absence of love, and God is love. Those who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. Each day we are on a journey to grow closer to the Lord.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, recently said that reconciliation is about our relationship with God and with each other. It’s about people, communities, and nations learning to live together with deeply held differences but in a spirit of love and respect. It’s the very heart of the gospel and what we are called to do as followers of Jesus. Live Christ’s life as best we can and when there are discouragements, have the courage to seek reconciliation.
Fr. Robert took time to remember those in our parish who left us this year to share in the fullness of God’s peace: Bill Connerat, Jones Drewry, Daniel White, Marion Rice, Keith Cowne, Harry Yates, Dev Weeks, Patricia Cooper, Jim Jacobson, and Bob Bowen. They clearly have given their all for the common good of Emmanuel parish. We thank God for the gifts they were to us.
Recognition of Outgoing Vestry Class
Fr. Robert is indebted to each member of the outgoing vestry for their dedication and service to the parish. Aside from ministry, the most important things they bring are their advice, counsel, wisdom, and spirituality, helping the vestry reach decisions that are made.
§ Sarah Ehlers has such a wonderful passion for the poor and has represented us so well, reaching out to those in Athens, traveling to Haiti several times, seeking engagement with Hispanic ministries, feeding needy children, partnering with the Salvation Army—she has been a part of our collective social consciousness and we are very grateful.
§ Erik Wells has worked hard and has been a catalyst for growth of our Adult Formation program offerings. We have grown in any number of ways during this time and he deserves much thanks.
§ Clara Herrin has served the parish in various ways. In addition to being a wonderful role model to her children, she has served the youth and its families assisting Fr. Chris in determining how to best serve them and hear what it is they need.
§ Shooter Roberts, Senior Warden, has been a fine example of truth and speaking the truth in love. He truly listens to the concerns of all, helping discern their needs and trying to make everything work as it should for the common good. Shooter has spent very much time and effort, along with a busy life as a young man with a career and young family, giving of himself to Fr. Robert and the whole parish. Many thanks for your efforts!
Senior Warden
Shooter Roberts thanked Fr. Robert and spoke about his three years on the vestry. The first was a year of learning as he started to grow, learning what it meant to be a truly participatory member of this great church. When asked to be Senior Warden, he had no idea of the amount of work it would take. As the Growing Blessings Campaign was undertaken during the past 18 months, he has realized what it takes to make the church “tick.” His eyes were opened to how passionately parishioners that he did now even know care about our home and how generously they give to support the work Fr. Robert does. Shooter has seen firsthand what a rector has to do day-to-day and his eyes have been opened to a more fulfilled life. He knows we are very lucky to have Fr. Robert!
A page inserted in recent bulletins shows progress on the stewardship and capital campaigns. The stewardship numbers show $541,000 pledged from 65% of recordable pledging units. The capital campaign has pledges from 55% of the pledging units at $1.3 million. The response has been tremendous. Shooter thanked all and pledged to press forward with both campaigns.
Renovation of the “540” building was completed this year and the Thrift House has been up and running there since early March with Leah Goodwin hired as manager. She and the volunteers have been doing well with cash flow and it’s holding its own. Everyone needs to visit!
Shooter thanked everyone for their support.
Fr. Robert added to Shooter’s thoughts that God continues to bless our parish.
Emmanuel’s Finances – 2015 and Tomorrow
Phil Bettendorf quickly summarized the finances of the church by saying, “All is well.” We build our budget based on pledges we receive from our parish. The 2016 budget is being finalized and will be voted upon during the vestry retreat in January. Please get pledges in now so the church can keep functioning, and for those who have turned theirs in already, “Thank You!”
Phil spoke of the good work that Treasurer Betty Varnadore, Finance Director Karen Holland, and the finance committee are doing. Our CPA, James Jordan, is very familiar with Episcopal churches and stated that we have controls in place for doing things correctly. Mr. Jordan also stated that this last audit is one of the better ones he has seen in some time including all the churches he audits.
Another suggested giving opportunity would be to honor or memorialize loved ones by purchasing engraved pavers located on both sides of the church.
Phil opened the floor to those present and responded to the question of how many pledging units were used to calculate the percentages for the stewardship/capital campaigns participation. Phil responded that the 2015 number is 226 units.
A Few Highlights from 2015
Betsy Respess reported briefly about the Thrift House. Former customers are excited to still come in and find great items at low prices. Some furniture has also been accepted and doesn’t stay much longer than a day. She urged everyone to stop by and do some Christmas shopping.
Fr. Robert thanked Ralph Stephens for spending much time organizing the parish library, categorizing and making the library functional.
Fr. Chris Cole reported that 14 high school students were confirmed this year by Bishop Whitmore. This 18-week journey culminated with a pilgrimage to El Camino de Santiago in Spain, the way of St. James the Apostle. Fr. Chris, student intern Kim Bice, and Dr. Anna Alexander led them on this 150-mile, 10-day trek. Fr. Chris thanked the parish for making this happen through fund raisers and donations. This sets the bar high for the next group!
Fr. Chris also commented on the second annual Great Pancake on Shrove Tuesday with seven teams competing to make the best pancakes voted on by the parish. Small gifts were presented to the winning team of Phyllis and Trey Niolon, Mary Morgan Collier, and Mary Palmer Roberts.
Sam Polk informed everyone that CDs are available with the October 4, 2015, choral presentation of the combined choirs of Emmanuel, First Baptist, and First Presbyterian. Contact Sam to reserve a copy.
Fr. Robert described three paintings that formerly hung in the parlor, now the library, before renovation. Several years ago Carol Winthrop indicated that she would like to manage the restoration and renewal of some of Emmanuel’s artwork. Carol has spent many hours in this ministry working with the restorationist at UGA. Fr. Robert unveiled one painting which has now been beautifully restored.
Annual Faithful Servant Award
Anne Brightwell presented the Faithful Servant couple winners, Bob and Blue Wood. They have been the epitome of steadfast and profound servanthood and part of the living heart of our parish for over 45 years. Anne welcomed the Wood’s children and families and presented highlights of the many ways Blue and Bob have served the parish of Emmanuel.
With love and in honor of the Wood’s involvement with Episcopal Relief and Development, the parish has purchased a goat in their names! May the family who receives this much needed animal prosper and be fed not only with milk, but be comforted by the Holy Spirit.
The Wood’s son, Rob, honored his parents and related several memorable stories from his childhood at Emmanuel where he was baptized and confirmed.
Presentation and Approval of Vestry Slate
Erik Wells moved that the proposed vestry slate be approved: Rob Hoyt, Terrie Seward, Ellen Cowne, and Bill Fox. Phyllis Niolon seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Thanks to Crysty and Tom Odom who supplied the “energy” for the meeting.
Fr. Robert adjourned the meeting at 11:20 with a prayer.
Approved by: Phil Bettendorf, Clara Herrin, Weyman Johnson, Roger Lange, Naomi Norman, Crysty Odom, Shooter Roberts, Brooke Stortz, Erik Wells
Abstained (absent): Sarah Ehlers, Weyman Johnson, Diane Wahlers
Respectfully submitted,
Sue Boatright,
Recording Secretary