Vestry Minutes

RE Lee Memorial Episcopal Church

June 19, 2006

Present:

Melissa Cox, Gerry Locher, Buddy Atkins, Paula Cushman, Roger Crockett, Libby Cumming, Bob de Maria, Bob Glidden, Jerry Nay, Cindy Mullen, Jonathan Webster, David Partlett, Kay Horner, Nick Gorham, Daniel Brinson, Rhonda Wheeler, Julia Littlefield, The Reverend Barry Miller

Opening:

Melissa Cox called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm.

Worship:

Daniel Brinson opened the meeting with a hymn. Cindy Mullen led the worship.

Minutes:

Melissa Cox asked for approval of the minutes from the May meeting. The motion to accept was approved without dissent.

Worship Committee

Daniel Brinson presented a recommendation from the Music Committee. He reported that we have been offered the use of a baby grand piano. If we accept the gift, there will be a contract stating that the owner can have the piano back whenever she wishes, but “… that would probably be several years down the road.” The owner would pay to have it moved. The recommendation notes that the Committee is looking into removing the front two pews from the pulpit side of the nave and placing the piano in the space. The pews will be stored.

There were several questions from the Vestry concerning the arrangement. Daniel will speak with the donor and clarify the agreement. and will e-mail clarifications to the Vestry so that a vote might be taken at the July meeting to approve the recommendation.

Administration/Personnel Committee

Melissa Cox reported that the committee had received and reviewed four applications for the Director of Christian Education/ Youth Minister position. The committee interviewed one candidate but it was mutually agreed not to pursue the position. The remaining three candidates did not have the necessary skills to successfully fill the position. The search is reopened and an ad placed it both in the News Gazette and the Roanoke Times.

Melissa reported that in her absence, Gretchen Walden, Vestry Liaison to the Youth Committee, asked that the Vestry approve the hiring of Trey Shehan to lead several youth activities this summer. After a brief discussion, the Vestry agreed that the Administrative/Personnel Committee determine a salary and engage Trey until he begins school in the fall.

Nick Gorham announced that he will leave for Texas and Medical school following the Sunday, June 25 reception in his honor after the 10:30 a.m. service. Nick thanked the Vestry for their friendship and support. The Vestry expressed their gratitude to Nick for his efforts.

David Partlett announced that this will be his last Vestry meeting as he departs for Atlanta and the Deanship at Emory University’s School of Law. He thanked the Vestry for their support. Melissa returned the thanks of the Vestry for his service and wished he and Nan well.

Gerry Locher wished to thank Gordon Woodcock for the work that he has done on the Choir Room.

Melissa reported that she and others met with Dale Bateman of Kirby Smith Associates on June 7. Work has begun on the Case statement for the upcoming capital campaign and a communications group, with Brian Shaw as chair, has been formed.

Melissa reported that she and Bob de Maria were part of a group of volunteers led by Steve Shultis who had just returned from a mission trip to New Orleans. She said that the trip was a very positive experience. She noted that it afforded a personal bonding experience, not only among the 10 from Operation Golden Rule, but also with the 25 or more volunteers from other parts of the country and the many college volunteers. She encouraged others to take advantage of the opportunity to volunteer in New Orleans.

Melissa noted that she has distributed a copy of the Reverend Barry Miller’s contract and a copy of the Vestry Norms. She suggested that we adhere to the norms and attempt to check each norm following our meetings to discern the Vestry’s effectiveness in abiding by them.

Melissa also reported that Diocese had formed a disaster response plan. They asked that each parish submit one. Melissa asked for a volunteer to take on this project. After a discussion, it was decided that since both Lexington and Washington and Lee were formulating plans, we should coordinate our plan with theirs. We will report to the Diocese that RE Lee will submit our report following our integration with W&L and Lexington’s report.

Interim’s Report

The Reverend Barry Miller thanked Jerry Nay and Mo Littlefield for their help in supplying bookshelves and furniture for the Rector’s office. The Reverend Mr. Miller also reported on his experience at General Convention in Columbus, Ohio.

Cindy Mullen closed with prayer.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:13 pm