Present: Taylor Butler, Jennifer Gallagher, Larry Hlad, Nancy Lancaster, Steve Libby, Joe Mayton, Rev. Ruth Partlow, Sarah Southall.

Absent: Katherine Kemner, Rev. Bob Partlow, Kerr Ramsey

At 6pm, Rev. Ruth Partlow opened the meeting with prayer and a Gospel reading.

Mrs. Southall was directed to ask Mrs. Kirtland about publishing the Vestry minutes on the Johns Memorial web page.

The minutes of the March 13, 2007 meeting were accepted as corrected.

The minutes of the March 18, 2007 meeting were accepted as presented.

Due to Mr. Ramsey’s absence, the treasurer’s report was tabled until the next Vestry meeting.

Commission Reports:

Mrs. Lancaster reported that the College Ministry has received $2285 from the Diocese and also has funds with Davenport and Company. Mrs. Southall moved, seconded by Mrs. Gallagher, to allow Mrs. Lancaster to open a checking account on behalf of the College Ministry, to use the Church Tax ID number, and to allow Mrs. Lancaster and Mr. Libby to sign off on the checks from this account. The motion carried.

Rev. Ruth Partlow asked the Vestry if Brad Watson from Davenport and Company could speak at the next meeting about Church investments. Mrs. Southall motioned, seconded by Mr. Libby, to invite Mr. Watson to speak at the next Vestry meeting.

New Business:

Rev. Ruth Partlow asked how the Vestry would like to honor Bill Blottner on April 22, College Student Sunday. It was determined that Ed Tracy and the College Committee should be asked for input on how Bill would best be honored. It was also agreed that the College students would lead parts of Sunday’s service.

Rev. Ruth Partlow asked the Vestry to recommend names for the Discernment Committee for Mr. Butler. This committee would meet during the year to help Mr. Butler in his process of becoming a Church Deacon. The Vestry selected six members and two alternates. Mrs. Gallagher volunteered to contact these members to see if they would be willing to serve on this committee.

Rev. Ruth Partlow discussed plans for the Vestry Retreat which is to be held at Mrs. Lancaster’s house on Saturday, April 28, from 10am to 4pm. She reminded the Vestry to read the Appreciate Inquiry document before the Retreat. The agenda for the Retreat would include discussion about what the Vestry valued most about Johns Memorial, as well as working on aligning Vestry assignments with the Committee and Commission organizational structure.

Rev. Ruth Partlow stated that there was a possibility of establishing a Lon Range Planning Committee to look at the Sunday service schedule, Facilities management, and Parking issues.

Rev. Ruth Partlow asked if Vestry members were needed to help with the JMC Barbecue scheduled to take place during the Heart of Virginia Festival, Saturday, May 5. Mr. Libby reported that the JMC Men’s Ministry would be organizing and running the Barbecue.

Old Business:

Mrs. Lancaster reported on the following –

Senior Warden Report: Mr. Libby reported that the Search Committee was meeting with Mrs. Barnes, the Search Consultant. The group was currently working on selecting a Chairperson, discussing Johns Memorial history, and participating in group bonding activities.

Junior Warden Report: See Old Business.

Organ Update: Frank Archer, Kerr Ramsey, Chris Swanson, and Peggy lead this committee. A new person has been chosen to work on the organ.

Commissions report: Mr. Hlad stated that there was a volunteer to teach the Intermediate Sunday School class. Volunteers were needed to teach Primary thru 3rd grade.

The meeting adjourned at 8:30pm after Compline. 

Respectfully submitted,

Sarah P. Southall, Register