Absent: Mary Meade Edwards, Larry Hlad

The meeting began at 6pm with prayer led by Rev. Chris Cunningham.

Stewardship: Mr. Shield reminded the Vestry to call members about renewing their pledges.

Worship: Mrs. Archer reported that the first Worship committee meeting is scheduled to meet in January.

Outreach: The Adult Sunday school group is still raising monies for the Episcopal Relief and Development organization.

Campus Ministry/Youth: The Campus Ministry program is starting to meet every Tuesday.

Parish Life: Ms. Gallagher reported that the installation and reception for Rev. Chris Cunningham went quite well. She thanked everyone who helped out with the event.

Senior Warden report: Mrs. McClellan reported that she met with Mr. Nelson Troyer about the Church basement and the outside brick work.

Pastoral care: Mrs. Kemner reported that people are still needed to drive parishioners to the hospital, doctor’s appointments, etc.

Treasurer’s report: Accepted as read.

Administrative items: The December minutes were accepted as read. Rev. Chris Cunningham reviewed the calendar of upcoming church events. The consecration of the new Bishop will occur on Friday, February 13, at the College of William and Mary. The Diocese of Southern VA Council meeting will be February 14 and 15.

Old Business: Ms. Gallagher asked to have the alcohol and tobacco policy revised.

The church’s policy on tobacco and alcohol was: Smoking is not permitted in the church's buildings and alcoholic beverages cannot be served. Wine is only allowed at liturgical celebrations. Ms. Gallagher moved, seconded by Mrs. McClellan, that the policy be amended as follows: Smoking is not permitted on church property. Alcoholic beverages are permitted, but they may not be served to those under twenty-one years of age. Appropriate and adequate nonalcoholic beverages must be provided. The motion carried via an email/phone vote. Mrs. McClellan also passed out thank you letters from the Krouse and Wall families, as well as presented Rev. Chris Cunningham with the Installation purse.

New Business: The Vestry discussed the use of a Vestry nominating committee. Instead of a committee, they agreed that outgoing members would nominate members, and that the three outgoing members would have their slate of nominees by the next Vestry meeting. The annual meeting to elect Vestry members will be held March 8. Discussion also occurred about lighting the outside of the church as well as the new sign.

Rector’s report: Rev. Chris Cunningham enjoyed the installation ceremony, and thought the service and reception were wonderful. The Wednesday Evening service will now start at 6pm instead of 6:15pm, and will be immediately followed by Holy Communion. The Evening Prayer team will continue to lead the Evening Prayer service with Rev. Cunningham performing the Eucharist. Rt. Rev. A. Heath Light will be leading the Confirmation service on April 26. Confirmation classes, open to all members, will start during Lent.

He also addressed the need to provide more space between the Church pews. At present, the church seats about 190. He would like to remove two pews from each side of the Church. This would put the seating at 168. Mr. Mayton motioned, seconded by Mrs. Kemner, that during the summer, the pews be re-configured to provide more space between pews and on both sides of the aisle. Before any work is to be done, Rev. Cunningham will provide an estimate to the Vestry. The motion passed.

Rev. Cunningham also discussed renovating the Church basement. The bathrooms are a mess and there is a water leakage problem. He would like to commission a team to consider what needs to be repaired, come up with estimates, and to get the work completed. He also would like to have the infant nursery moved from the Parish Hall to the basement once it is renovated. Mrs. Southall motioned, seconded by Mrs. Archer, to commission the Building committee to look at renovating the basement and providing cost estimates for the project to the Vestry. The motion carried.

Rev. Cunningham would also like the Building committee to begin considering renovating the Parish Hall. He proposed re-painting and re-carpeting the downstairs except for the choir room. Upstairs, he suggested re-doing the bathroom and putting in new carpeting. Mrs. Southall informed him of the architectural plans for renovating the Parish House. He will meet with the Building committee to review the plans and discuss needed renovations. Rev. Cunningham also wants to add a second morning service at 8am to start in August, as well as offering Church formation programs between the two services. There are issues to be discussed and resolved regarding this change, including getting people to work the early service, providing music, and developing the children and adult formation programs. The meeting adjourned at 9pm after Compline.

Respectfully submitted,