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

Absent: Lee Minix

Mrs. Julie Shields donated two framed Johns Memorial stain glass prints to the Vestry in honor of her parents. The Vestry thanked Mrs. Shields for her generous gift.

The meeting began at 6pm with prayer and reflection led by Rev. Bob Partlow. Special remembrances were given to Mrs. Jackie Wall.

The minutes of the November 13, 2007 meeting were accepted as read.

Treasurer’s Report – Accepted as presented.

New Business:

The Diocese requested a two percent increase in the Diocesan pledge based on the Church’s net disposable income. Mrs. Southall moved, seconded by Mrs. Lancaster, to give $500 in addition to the $10,000 already allocated from last year towards this request. The motion carried.

The Diocese also sent out an informational letter asking for members who would participate in the feasibility study for the Chanco Capital renovation campaign. Ms. Gallagher volunteered to act as the Church liaison. Rev. Ruth Partlow will ask Mr. Frank Archer, Mr. Mark Lenker, and Miss Athena Hahn if they would be interested in participating in this interview process.

Rev. Bob Partlow suggested installing Usher and Lector trainers/coordinators. He will ask for volunteers to lead these ministries.

The annual Diocesan council will occur February 1 through February 3 in Williamsburg. Mrs. Elsie Wilson and Mr. Mark Lenker are the appointed Council delegates. The Church youth are also encouraged to attend.

Mr. Chad Krouse will be giving a sermon on February 3. Rev. Ruth Partlow suggested taking up an offering for him and his family.

During Lent, the Partlows will be speaking on the concept of hospitality. Instead of having a Eucharistic service, they suggested inviting the Archers to give a presentation one day during Lent. The Shrove Pancake supper will be held on February 5 at 6pm. Ash Wednesday is February 6. A musical service will be provided on Good Friday. A Healing service will also be included during this month. It is unclear if a Lenten luncheon will be offered.

The Vestry, with great praise, expresses profound appreciation to the choristers, soloists, and orchestra that performed Handel’s Messiah this past Sunday. Special kudos to Choir Director Dr. Chris Swanson and Organist Ms. Peggy Hargrave for their hard work.

Mr. Frank Archer needs to receive training on using new sound system.

Rev. Bob Partlow recommended purchasing a fire-proof safe, about the size of a two-drawer file cabinet, to protect the Church’s historical records. Mrs. Lancaster will check on the price of this item.

The Partlows strongly recommended all members to participate in the Prince Edward Dialogue for Reconciliation community meetings. Mrs. Sarah Fritz will be leading these monthly dialogs at the Methodist Church. They will ask Mr. Edgar Berry to participate. Mr. Hlad also volunteered to participate in these discussions.

Old Business:

Mrs. McClellan gave her final report on the Stewardship Campaign. From the total pledges received, she suggested using $165,000 as the line item for the 2008 budget.

Rev. Bob Partlow will email a rough draft of his proposed endowment policy to Vestry members to review before next month’s meeting. The Vestry will need to appoint trustees to ensure that the endowments are carried out successfully.

Mrs. Lancaster, Mr. Libby, and Mr. Minix are still working on the 2008 Budget.

Committee Reports:

Communication and Administration: Mr. Libby provided an update on the progress of the Search Committee. They are now reviewing an extensive list of qualified candidates. He is also creating the musicians’ contracts.

Buildings and Grounds: Mrs. Lancaster had Mr. Varner replace the outside Church lights, and install a sensor timer to have the lights come on automatically when it gets dark. Architect Mr. Bob Winthrop has completed the sketches for the Parish Hall and will be presenting them to the Vestry soon.

Co-Rectors: The Church Office will be closed Christmas week. The Partlows will use the Discretionary fund to purchase gifts for the staff. Mrs. McClellan motioned, seconded by Mrs. Lancaster, that the Vestry give monetary thank-you gifts to the staff as follows: $300 for Dr. Chris Swanson, $250 for Ms. Peggy Hargrave, and $100 to the Carters. The motion carried. Mrs. Lancaster will provide the thank-you notes.

Christian Formation: Mr. Hlad showed the Vestry the Advent books Mrs. Deb Gantt bought for the little children.

Young Adults and Youth: Mrs. McClellan asked about establishing an Inner-denominational Youth group with the Farmville Methodist Church. The Partlows will ask the Methodist Youth group if Johns Memorial could partner with their Youth group.

Parish Life/Outreach: Ms. Gallagher reported that Mrs. Kathy Orth will be sending out the proofs for the Directory.

Pastoral Care: Members are encouraged to pass on information of illnesses to the Partlows as well as to the new rector. Mrs. Kemner is also working on re-instating the Prayer chain. She is still trying to gather volunteers to help supply meals, transportation, and babysitting services during times of crisis.

Worship: On Christmas Eve, there will be two services. One will be at 5:30pm featuring the Children’s Choir, and the other service will be at 10:30pm featuring the Adult Choir.  

The meeting adjourned at 8:15pm after Compline 

Respectfully submitted,