Guests:
Mo Littlefield, Bonnie Gates, Mary Doyle, Josh Elrod (VP. Yellow Brick Road), Donna Welch (Treasurer, Yellow Brick Road)

Worship:
Daniel Brinson opened the meeting with a hymn. Gretchen Walden led the worship.

Minutes:
Melissa Cox asked for approval of the minutes from the June meeting. The motion to accept was approved without dissent.
Melissa welcomed Susan Cross who is joining the Vestry to fill the remaining term of David Partlett.

Property Committee:
Mo Littlefield represented the Property Committee in Gerry Locher’s absence. Melissa noted that the report had been E-mailed.

Bob Glidden asked about the status of the campaign. Brian noted that Dale Bateman (Kirby-Smith) would be in the next week and work is being done on the CASE statement.

There were no questions of Mo. Melissa thanked Mo for attending the meeting and representing the committee.

Worship Committee:
Melissa noted that in the Vestry packet there was a contract concerning the long-term loan of a piano for use in the church and turned the floor to Daniel.

Daniel Brinson asked that we first hear from Bonnie Gates concerning the hand bell choir. Bonnie noted that the space in the front of the Sanctuary is very crowded and the choir needs more space to spread out. She asked on behalf of the hand bell choir that we approve the moving of the two front pews on the lectern side of the balcony.

She noted that if the need arises for seating, the tables could be removed easily and the benches or chairs replaced.

The motion was passed without opposition or abstentions

Piano Contract:
Daniel asked that Mary Doyle represent the committee. Mary noted that the Piano in the Sanctuary is not satisfactory and the piano offered would serve us well. She asked for questions concerning the proposal Daniel presented on behalf of the committee last meeting. A question was presented as to the status of the piano currently in use in the Sanctuary. Daniel said that two possibilities would be moving it to a Sunday school room for occasional use or asking if Yellow Brick Road could use it.

Jerry Nay noted that we should include the piano on the Church’s insurance policy. Jerry further noted that the contract should be further clarifications in the event we needed to move it.  Daniel assured that the donors wanted to keep the agreement simple. Jerry noted he would be in favor if the points he raised were included and clarified. Daniel agreed.

Melissa asked for a motion to approve with Jerry’s amendment. The motion was made and seconded. Motion passed without abstentions. The motion to approve the contract was then presented for a vote. The motion was passed without opposition or abstentions. 

Yellow Brick Road:
Paula Cushman presented Josh Elrod and Donna Welch representing the Board of Yellow Brick Road. Mr. Elrod noted that Yellow Brick Road has been a presence at RE Lee for 30 years. He wanted to thank the Vestry for its support of YBR.

He noted that the YBR Board needed to consider moving to a permanent home. The Board purchased a property on Mason Drive. Alice Waddell, president of the Board asked the Building trades program at the High School to build a 2000 sq. ft. house on site. They would need materials costing $150,000 but there would be no cost for construction. Mr. Elrod noted that YBR needs to secure funds. He said they have asked local churches, VMI and W&L for their financial help. He noted the value of the YBR experience. He asked the vestry for financial support. Mrs. Welch noted that YBR needs $150,000 for supplies in order for them to convene at the site in September.

Brian asked if YBR had an irrevocable pledge from us now would that allow YBR to go to a bank for an interest free loan. He noted that we are in the process of planning our own fund raising campaign and that we have a commitment included in our statement of $100,000 to support YBR.

Josh asked that YBR receive a $50,000 gift from the church.

Jerry Nay asked if the money from the Vestry could be considered a challenge grant to other organizations. Mr. Elrod agreed.

Following discussion, Brian noted that the Campaign Steering Committee will meet Wednesday, July 26 and will consider the YBR request.

Endowment and Investments Committee:
Bob Glidden presented the report and moved that the Vestry accept the proposal. The motion was passed without opposition or abstentions. 

Christian Education:
Rhonda Wheeler noted that Frances Grist and Lisa Bowles have agreed to serve as the Superintendents of Sunday school. There are activities planned for the year beginning the first Sunday, September 10. Jonathan Webster has agreed to head the Adult Education Committee.

Rhonda thanked the Vestry for its support of her and her Ministry these past four years.

Finance Committee:
Jonathan Webster noted that our budget line for Clergy Honoraria is depleted. The Rev. Miller said that he had no plans to miss any more Sundays.

Mo Littlefield, Anna Crockett and Brian had discussed Trey Sheehan’s budget including Trey’s cost. Brian noted that the search for the DCE/EYM has taken longer than planned and that Trey agreed to step in. Brian presented Trey’s suggestions and he priced them out. The Committee agreed that they will pay Trey $12.00 per hour.

Trey’s estimate for activities are $2400 (amount includes scholarships and $1935 for Trey’s time).

Brian presented her qualifications.

The Rev. Miller stated that he met her at the convention and stated that she was impressive.

Brian said that the committee allocated the position at a Deacon’s pay rate ($38,000 plus fringe benefits) for the position. Brian noted that according to the guidelines set by the Diocese, her salary would be $57,000 plus18% pension and Health Insurance added. The Rev Miller noted that if we hired a new Deacon, the salary would be $38,000 following ordination; the salary would jump up to $56,258.

In light of the salary demands set forth by the Diocese, Brian asked the Vestry to consider the following options:

·         Should we inform the Rev. Voss that we need to reconsider the position and we will not ask her to come for the interview?

·         Should we proceed with the Interview?

·         Continue to have the Lay Leadership continue to support the Christian Education and Youth Ministry.

Following a lengthy discussion Bob Glidden suggested that we should go forward with the visitation and interview of the Rev. Heather Voss.  After more discussion, it was the consensus of the group that we conduct the interview.

Trustees:

Brian spoke regarding the Church’s trustees. With the deaths of George Brooke and Chuck Harer and the resignation of Hal Head, we have only two trustees remaining namely, Elizabeth Harrelson and Louise Moore. Brian, following discussion with Elizabeth Harrelson, stated that it would be a good idea for the Vestry to have more of a say in the Trustee situation.

Brian addressed the hand out and noted that the idea of terms and term limits came up in that discussion. Brian noted also in the hand out made, that Trustees would be appointed for a six year term and could be reappointed for another term. They would then step down but could be reappointed following one year off the Trustees.

The proposals have the favor of both Louise Moore and Elizabeth Harrelson.

Brian made the motion. It was seconded and passed without abstention.

Brian noted that we need nominations by the August meeting. Melissa pointed out that the Vestry approves the nominees and then we approach them. Nominees are to be from the body of the parish.

Wardens Report:
Melissa asked for council delegates – we have five delegates this year. Doug Cumming has agreed to return, Lynda de Maria expressed interest and Melissa will return. Melissa has asked Punky Dod but has not heard from her.

Sunday, July 23 is Rhonda’s last Sunday and there will be a reception following the 10:30 service and asked that we attend.

Steeple:
Jerry Nay reported that we have one proposal and it is very expensive. David Oakland has gone back to the group and asked them to rethink the proposal. Jerry contacted a steeple jack in New England who was cited in the NY Times article that Jerry had e-mailed to the Vestry.

The individual asked for funds to cover his expenses. Jerry said that once the proposals are in, he will present them to the Vestry. Melissa suggested that we pursue this scenario. Jerry made the motion and it was seconded it was passed with three abstentions (C. Mullen, J. Burleson and J. Webster)

Vestry Norms:
Melissa asked about our adherence to following the Vestry norms. It was agreed that we adhered to them.

Interim’s Report:
The Rev. Miller’s information, not included in the Vestry report was:

E-mail:  millerb@releechurch.org and cell phone: 540-319-0444. The Rev. Miller reported that he and Nancy had returned refreshed from their recent vacation in Connecticut. He is ready to resume his responsibilities.

The Rev. Miller has discussed the idea with Melissa and Brian and it was agreed that he has a group of people from the parish who will serve as his unofficial advisers.

The Rev. Miller announced that there will be a newcomer’s pot luck reception on August 6 at 6:00 and asked that we attend.

Gretchen Walden closed with her prayer.

Meeting adjourned at 7:43 pm.

Robert J. de Maria, Vestry Clerk