Present:
Buddy Atkins, George Brooke, Molly Brown, John Burleson, Roger Crockett, Susan Cross, Bob de Maria, Bob Glidden, Woody Sadler, Brian Shaw, Jonathan Webster, Gretchen Walden

Guests:
MJ Mayerchak

Opening:|
Brian Shaw called the meeting to order at 4:01 pm.

Worship:
George Brooke led the worship.

Minutes:
Brian asked for approval of the minutes from the March meeting. The motion to approve minutes as amended was approved without dissent. (12-0-0)

Property Committee (John Burleson)

·         John reported that the elevator has been repaired – new doors and new    switches have been installed

·         Repointing of the façade is still being considered as the committee is meeting with John Fredericks. Mr. Fredericks is working on presenting a schedule that will address the problems and allow the Vestry to make and pay for needed repairs in a timely manner.

·         The members of the committee have been surveying the church property looking for problems.

The Columbarium Task Force has made a road trip to Christiansburg. They’ve also spoken to a design expert about the project. They currently are considering three possible alternatives:

·         A space within the church

·         A space behind the church

·         A garden where the ashes could be sprinkled

·         The committee hopes to make a presentation by the June Vestry meeting

·         Brian added that a property survey has been completed. The results will be available soon.

Finance Committee (Buddy Atkins)

·         New pledges to the Every Member Canvass now reflect 182 pledging units.

·         The Every Member Canvass is very important for us to meet the current program needs and the upcoming needs. Buddy reviewed the upcoming compensation and sundry expenses following the Rev. Thomas Crittenden’s arrival.

·         Buddy stated that Daniel Brinson on behalf of the Music Committee has requested a second semester stipend of $275.00 for a College Music scholarship. Buddy made a motion on behalf of the Finance and the Memorial Contributions Committees that the Vestry approves the expenditure. The money will be taken from the William Watt fund. The late Dr. Watt was very interested in our music program and Buddy said both the Committees felt it was a fitting tribute to Bill.

·         The Finance Committee also recommends that the Vestry in the formulation of the budget for 2008 request a clarification of purpose from the Director of Music and the Music Committee for the continuation of the scholarship.

·         Buddy made the motion that the money comes from the Watt Fund. The motion was passed without abstention or dissension. (12-0)

·         Buddy also moved on behalf of the Worship and Finance Committees that we purchase additional robes and surplices (Cottas) for Chalicists and 12 robes and surplices (Cottas) for the choir. We charge it to the unrestricted Memorial Fund.

·         After discussion the motion was amended that we approve the expenditure up to $2000.00 for that purpose. The amended motion was passed without abstention or dissension. (12-0)

·         Buddy recommended on behalf of the Finance and the Memorial Contributions Committees that we approve the expenditure of $385.40 for a wide fair linen and $178.00 for an urn pall for the altar.  Funds will be taken from the Mary Owen Griffith Fund. The motion was seconded and passed without abstention or dissension (12-0)

·         Buddy presented the revenue and expense report for the first quarter. Buddy noted that we are able to meet our expenses for Parish Outreach and the Rector search.

·         Brian called on M.J. Mayerchak to speak on behalf of the Outreach Committee.

·         There are new co-chairs Punky Dod and Don Ellis.

·         The committee, in conjunction with the Diocese, a parish-wide celebration of the Feast of Marc Nikkel (September 2). There will be descriptive articles in the Cross and Crown. At the celebration, there will be a free-will offering for the needs of the Sudan and the Marc Nikkel School.

·         The committee has made some distributions from the Alta Fowler Fund for Sudan Relief. M.J. noted that the majority of the fund has been used up as per the benefactor’s wishes. It was requested that the Outreach Committee apprize the Rev. Thomas Crittenden about the plans.

Endowments and Investments Committee (Bob Glidden)

·         Bob distributed a list of our holdings in three particular Mutual Funds. He noted that he has been checking a web site (SudanDivestments.org). As of May 1, 2007, in the funds that we held, three companies that are involved in oil and gas exploration are involved in the Sudan. Bob noted that there is no way to discern whether or not these three companies have anything to do with the government of that country.

·         Bob noted that out of the total of our investments ¼ of 1% of our total funds invested are invested in these three companies.

·         Bob said that he consulted with Dan Vance, our broker and Vance advised that our divestment would have little or no impact on these companies and rather than divestment, a letter of concern might have more impact. Bob noted further that if we divested, it would be a major shift in our investments.

·         Bob has written the letters of concern to the fund managers of the three funds.

·         Bob will check the web site monthly.

Wardens’ Report

·         Rhonda’s Ordination May 26

·         New Rector Transition – Jun 24. There will be a welcoming reception for Tom and family. The Welcoming Committee has a picnic planned. The Rev. Mr. Crittenden will begin August 5.

·         Brian asked the Vestry to give thought to how we can facilitate the family’s transition into the RE Lee Family.

·         Brian said the Capital Campaign is moving along. There is a strategy meeting Monday, May 28.

·         Brian addressed our need to be thinking about the next step in our building improvement plan.  The discussion moved to the topic of the kitchen and bathroom renovation. Bob Glidden noted that electrical and plumbing needs should be addressed before we approach. It was agreed that we must move forward. John Burleson will speak to the property committee at their next meeting.

MJ Mayerchak thanked Bob for looking into the divestment issue.

George Brooke gave the closing prayer.

Meeting adjourned at. 5:21 pm

Robert J. de Maria, Vestry Clerk