Present:

      Buddy Atkins, Molly Brown, John Burleson, The Rev. Thomas Crittenden, Roger Crockett, Susan Cross, Susan Cross, Bridget Kelley-Dearing, Bob de Maria, Cindy Mullen, Woody Sadler, Brian Shaw, Gretchen Walden, Jonathan Webster.

Guests: Tom Hart

Opening: Brian Shaw called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm.

Worship: The Rev. Crittenden conducted a Eucharist Service. Bridgett Kelley-Dearing offered the worship.

The Rev. Crittenden turned the meeting over to the Senior Warden.

Minutes

Brian asked for approval of the minutes from the September meeting.

·         Cindy noted that she had suggested to the clerk for some proofing changes. Clerk indicated that the changes had been made.

·         Brian stated that the September minutes contained a notation that there was to be an endowments discussion at this meeting but in Bob Glidden’s absence, the discussion will be held over to the November meeting which is the one-year anniversary of the Vestry’s approval of the committee’s moving the endowments to Dan Vance of Edward Jones, a local broker.

·         Minutes approved (12-0-0)

·         Following the vote, Cindy noted that the job of the clerk is difficult and asked that in the future we should consider having a non-Vestry member serves as clerk. Bob de Maria indicated that he was going to discuss that idea with the new Wardens following the annual meeting.

Kitchen

·         Brian introduced Tom Hart, the Project Manager in charge of the current renovation project.

·         Tom noted that we are well under way. He indicated that the finish date should be the second week of November.

·         Cindy asked if any asbestos had been found and Tom indicated that two layers had been found in the tile and they had an asbestos removal contractor come in and test it. The tile was found not to be dangerous. Tom found tile to match.

·         There were several drainage problems that had to be dealt with but overall, there were no real surprises.

·         Tom indicated they will have a suspended ceiling in the kitchen. Tom then brought up the air-conditioning and indicated that there will be a significant electrical service upgrade needed to support the air conditioning and the kitchen renovation.

·         The Vestry discussed the two systems with Tom, namely ducted and ductless. John Burleson stated that Peter Fyfe is collecting bids.

·         Brian thanked Tom for coming to the meeting.

Property (John Burleson)

·         John asked members to note the installation of new handrails coming from Washington and Lee to the plaza in front of the church.

·         Peter has the roof repair people in place and they will replace the missing roof tiles A.S.A.P. (October or early November)

·         The Committee is developing a regular maintenance schedule for the buildings and grounds and following their next walk-through, the committee will present it to the Vestry.

·                        John made the following motion on behalf of the property committee

Motion:  The Vestry authorizes the Property Committee to proceed with         providing shingles to the ECW to sell at the Annual Church Bazaar.              Shingle price will be left up to the ECW and income will go to the    ECW.  The Motion passed (12-0-0)

 ·         Brian asked John about the bird situation. Brian said we should remedy the “bird problem”. There was a discussion as to whether or not this was Steve Curtis’ (Old Tyme Restoration) obligation. Brian noted the firm that handled the bat problem can take care of it and this is important and we should not delay our dealing with it.

Columbarium (John Burleson)

·         The Columbarium Committee met on October 2 and elected Dick Rathmell the chair. 

·         The committee continues to work out the details for scattering and the indoor Columbarium.  

·         The Committee most recently met on October 11 to review plans from Madison Spencer.  Madison Spencer provided the committee with scale drawings for both inside and outside projects.

·         Brian noted despite the delay we should still continue with the plans to dedicate the Scattering Garden. Brian asked the Rev. Tom Crittenden to outline the plans.

·         Tom said we will have a dedication of the Scattering Garden following the 10:30 Liturgy on Nov. 4. The entire congregation will process out to the plaza where he will conduct a brief consecration of the space. There is already a family who wishes to scatter a family member’s ashes on Thanksgiving. Tom indicated that we will “catch up” with the identity plaques at a later date.

·         John Burleson indicated that the committee is more comfortable with the plans after discussing the Columbarium with Pam Simpson. John said there is still some discussion about the indentifying name plates.

·         Brian noted that there should be funds allocated for a freshening of the garden and the surrounding tiles in order to keep the area in better repair.

Finance Committee (Jonathan Webster)

·         Buddy reported that the committee has met and committee has met and are waiting for the completion of the every member canvas.

·         Buddy noted that financially, we are ahead and skipped a scheduled draw from the endowment. 

Rector’s Report

·   The family is closing on their house in Birdfield  on November 10, 2007.

·   Tom noted that Carol Woodcock was a lot of help in their obtaining a mortgage.

·   The family furniture will be coming after Nov. 2.

·   They will be moving clothes and some appliance from Tom’s mother’s home.

·   Tom noted that his Installation is Tuesday, October 16 at 6:00 and there’s a reception to follow at Evans Dining Hall. Tom noted that Bill McCorkle composed a piece of music for the event.

·   Tom noted that he and Christi are interested in forming a Table Fellowship similar to one that they formed at their former parish and will invite parishioners to sign-up to attend these events.

Warden’s Report

·      Woody asked if it wouldn’t be appropriate for members of the Vestry to serve as standing committee chairs rather than liaisons. He questioned if  there was anything in the church’s past dealt with this.

·      Brian noted that by having other members of the parish serving as chairs it serves to extend the lay leadership to other members of the parish.

·      A discussion followed with the majority indicating that serving on the Vestry is a time consuming obligation.

·      Bridget asked about a new Vestry retreat next year. Brian noted that the new Vestry members were thrown right into the deliberation process of choosing a new Rector.

·      Tom asked about the time for a Vestry retreat. It was indicated that it usually happens in February of the new year. He asked if we could set a meeting time at the November Vestry meeting. He explained that it will be on the calendar and members can adjust their calendars accordingly.

·      Molly asked Tom if he has given any further thought to a new staff member. Tom said that he has had discussions with parishioners and there is indications that people want a clergy person and someone to deal with the College Ministry. He said that he continues to think and pray and he said that he hopes to have someone in place in time for next Fall’s calendar planning. He continues to welcome input from the parish either in a group forum or individually.

·      Tom indicated that he enjoys the College work immensely but indicated that we are THE Parish for Rockbridge County and there are families and their children that have clergy needs. So, he continues to move toward a decision and resolution.

Bridget closed the meeting with a prayer.

The Meeting adjourned at 6:25 pm 

Submitted

 Robert J. de Maria, Clerk