Present: Taylor Butler, Jennifer Gallagher, Larry Hlad, Katherine Kemner, Nancy Lancaster, Steve Libby, Molly McClellan, Lee Minix, Rev. Bob and Ruth Partlow, Sarah Southall.

Absent: Joe Mayton

At 6pm, Rev. Ruth Partlow opened the meeting with prayer.

The minutes of the September meeting were accepted as read.

Treasurer’s Report – Accepted as presented.

New Business:

The Vestry discussed the salary package for the new Rector. Mrs. Southall moved, seconded by Mr. Butler, to give the Search Committee permission to offer a compensation range of $60,187 to $73, 967 when interviewing prospective priests. The motion carried. Special thanks were extended to Ms. Gallagher, Mrs. Lancaster, and Mr. Libby for their work on determining the compensation package.

Mr. Mark Lenker and Mrs. Elsie Wilson reported on attending the Diocesan Special Council. Formation of ministries, Youth ministry, outreach and advocacy, and mission ministries were discussed at the meeting. An increase in $121,000 has been pledged to the Diocesan programs. The Diocese is also asking each congregation to pledge up to ten percent of their budget within the next few years. The most any parish would be asked to pledge is an increase of two percent per year. This would be based on the current net disposable income of the parish. The process of looking for a new Bishop is progressing.

Rev. Ruth Partlow suggested a monthly newsletter. The Vestry agreed that, in order for the Parish to be better informed, the newsletter should come out monthly instead of in four major installments. There will, however, be a combined issue for January and February and as well as for the summer months.

Mr. Butler reported on the September 30th Diocesan Mission Strategy meeting, and the changes taking place in terms of ministry. The process of discernment for Diaconates has changed. There will no longer be a discernment committee. Instead, a letter from the priest and a vote from the Vestry will be needed. Also, emphasis will be on teams of people licensing interested lay members for preaching, Eucharistic licensure, etc.

JMC will be one site to host the Trinity Institute in January. A live Internet presentation will be provided on Islam and reconciliation between the major religions. Participants can call in and ask questions during this event.

Talbot Hall Open House will occur on Saturday, November 3. Rev. Ruth Partlow suggested getting a group of church members together to attend this event. This will be announced in the bulletin.

Food for the Poor, an Episcopal program for feeding the poor in developing countries, called to see if they could speak to the congregation one Sunday. Rev. Bob Partlow will look into scheduling this group.

Rev. Ruth Partlow asked the Vestry when they should have Vestry elections. The Junior and Senior wardens will rotate off. The Vestry determined that the elections will take place in March. Those rotating off the Vestry should look for congregation members to take their place.

Old Business:

Rev. Bob Partlow discussed having the Church ask members to endow their pledges. Mr. Libby will talk with Mrs. Barbara Henley about the possibility of setting up this type of endowment.

Committee Reports:

Communication and Administration: Mr. Libby provided an update on the progress of the Search Committee. They now have a salary range for the CDO file, and the Parish Profile is been sent to the printers. It should be back in two weeks. Also, the sample contracts are being modified for the musicians.

Buildings and Grounds: Mrs. Lancaster met with architect Mr. Bob Winthrop to do a walk-thru of the Parish House. Based on this review, Mr. Winthrop will begin drawing up plans for Parish House renovations. He thought the Vestry could hold off on fixing the roof right away. Instead, the roof can be put into the plans. He suggested an A-frame roof for the kitchen. The church sign is being worked on by Giles signs. Mr. Hlad asked about a new Episcopal street sign. Mrs. Lancaster will speak with the Town Manager about this possibility.

Christian Formation: Mr. Hlad reported on the Christian Formation Committee meeting. Items discussed included recruitment of Sunday school teachers, curriculum content, structure of operations, and Adult Sunday school. Most volunteers are interested in serving a month at a time, as well as having an overview at the beginning of each year. The curriculum received a good to fair rating. Interest was expressed in having more bible stories and musical contributions. There usually is a problem with recruiting teachers for the intermediate class. However, it hasn’t been an issue this year. There was no consensus on the proposed Sunday service change. Mrs. Carolyn Black, from the Diocese, will be coming to brainstorm about these ideas. Concerns were expressed about children coming in during the service. Can the timing on this be improved? The Vestry proposed bringing children in from the back of the Church during the Peace. The announcements will then be read before the Recessional.

Young Adults and Youth: Rev. Bob Partlow reported that Rev. Mike Ferguson is delaying his retirement for one year. The Diocese gave $2300 to the Campus Ministry account. Mrs. Southall will ask Mrs. Lund to send in information to the newsletter about upcoming Campus Ministry events.

Parish Life/Outreach: Ms. Gallagher reported that the first picture directory session with Olan Mills was very successful. The next picture session is for November 1. Mrs. Kathy Orth agreed to help Ms. Gallagher with the directory lay-out. The pet food received from the Blessing of the Animals will be donated to the Meherrin SPCA.

Stewardship & Finance: Mrs. McClellan gave a status report on the Stewardship campaign. At this point, pledges are up by $8500.

Worship: Mr. Butler reported that All Saints Day will be Sunday, November 4. A special Veterans Day Service will be held on Sunday, November 11. Veterans from the community are encouraged to attend.

The meeting adjourned at 8:45pm after Compline.