ALL SAINTS EPISCOPAL CHURCH 608 JEFFERSON STREET TUPELO, MISSISSIPPI MINUTES OF VESTRY MEETING DECEMBER 15, 2014

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1 ALL SAINTS EPISCOPAL CHURCH 608 JEFFERSON STREET TUPELO, MISSISSIPPI MINUTES OF VESTRY MEETING DECEMBER 15, 2014 PRESENT: The Rev. Paul Stephens, Rector David Alford David Hastings Stephen King, Sr. Warden Carol Alvis Paul Perry Chris Winders, Jr. Warden Frank Anger Pete Poland Mike Fitzpatrick, Treasurer Kamme Riddle Kay Trapp, Ass t. Treasurer Donna Timmons Tommie Moore, Clerk Lloyd Gray Rufus Van Horn ABSENT: Robin Bryan, Art Chambers The Rev. Paul Stephens opened the Vestry meeting with a prayer at 6:06 p.m. CHECK-IN ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA: None REVIEW OF MINUTES: The November 17, 2014 Vestry minutes were reviewed. MOTION: (Gray/Timmons) Approve November 17, 2014 Vestry minutes as submitted. The December 9, 2014 Executive Committee minutes were reviewed. MOTION: (Timmons/Riddle) Approve December 9, 2014 Executive Committee minutes as submitted. VISIONING AGENDA: Budget 2015 Paul advised that as of December 15 we have received 98 pledges totaling $467,291 for Our goal is 131 pledges totaling $639,000. Paul advised that we need at least $498,000 to maintain current funding at the program level, but also noted that figure does not include funding for a curate for The Vestry then entered into a discussion about the concerns of not having a curate for 2015; what that means for the parish, programs, staff and clergy. It was noted by the Vestry that concentration in recruiting new pledges and parishioners increasing the amount of their current pledge was needed. TREASURER S REPORT: Treasurer, Mike Fitzpatrick gave an overview of the written report that Bookkeeper, Michele McBride submitted regarding our financial status as of November 30, Michele wrote:

2 Page 2 Reconciliation of Cash: All accounts are balanced with the exception of Capital Campaign, but the difference has not changed. The Operating account difference of $ , is the Boy/Cub Scout money, which should come off the books this month. Flow In/Out We continue to carry the Madrigal s deposit and the Toledo Community Foundation contribution in this account. Capital Campaign Cash Flow: Report is balanced. Hope contributions were down for the month. We received a large Journey contribution, with the hopes of it being applied to the principal. Balance Sheet Analysis: Paul asked that I switch the Balance Sheet for the Balance Sheet Analysis in my monthly reports. Revenue & Expenses: 4001 Plate Offerings collections were above budget for the month and the year. We are only $ from reaching the total projected collections in this area. It is possible we will exceed this amount this month Non-Pledge Offerings collections exceeded budget expectations for the month and we have already collected $ more than was budgeted for the year. These contributions are a combination of gifts received without a pledge and gifts given beyond what is pledged Other Office over for the month and year This month s expenses included a Constant Contact training class ($15), luminary bags and candles ($44.48) and our Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association Membership ($150) Advertising up for the month and year: o Blessing of the Animals - $ o Pastor Appreciation - $ o Daily Journal classified/listings - $19.49 o Constant Contact - $20.00 o Google Ads Blessing of the Animals - $63.53 o Facebook Boost Sports Illustrated $ Janitorial Supplies up for the month, but not the year 5067 Miscellaneous bank service charges. We transferred money into the Money Market Savings account to bring the balance above $100,000, which will avoid that $10 service fee.

3 Page & 5072 Utilities electric and water We did not pay a bill in November. We will still have 12 months of bills paid in 2014, after I pay the current bill Utilities Gas Atmos Energy has finally processed the tax exempt status of our 2 nd account, which resulted in a credit of $ This credit is being applied to each statement on this particular account and will carry over into The current balance is - $ Flower Guild up for the month, but not the year. This month s expenses include the 2015 flower chart and greenery for advent. Money Market Restricted: Prepaid Pledges The balance of the account ($ ) will be transferred in December Prepaid Pledges We currently have $5, in prepaid pledges. I expect to receive more throughout December Boy Scouts/Cub Scouts Paper work is being finalized to transfer the signatory powers to the Cub Scouts, so this should come off the books in December. Mike added that the bequest made to the All Saints Building Fund has not yet been funded, but he expects to receive the distribution in the 1 st quarter of He noted that in January, 2015 the Finance Committee will be reviewing our capital campaign cash flow to determine whether or not an additional principal payment can be made on the building loan. MOTION: (Riddle/Van Horn) Approve financial report as submitted. CHRISTIAN GROWTH COMMISSION: Convener, Kamme Riddle submitted a written report. No action was required of the Vestry. This report was approved at the December 9, 2014 Executive Committee meeting. CHRISTIAN SERVICE COMMISSION: Convener, Donna Timmons submitted a written report. No action was required of the Vestry. This report was approved at the December 9, 2014 Executive Committee meeting. CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP COMMISSION: Convener, David Hastings submitted a written report. No action was required of the Vestry. This report was approved at the December 9, 2014 Executive Committee meeting. JR. WARDEN REPORT: No report

4 Page 4 SR. WARDEN REPORT: Sr. Warden, Stephen King advised that the Budget Committee will meet Wednesday, January 7 at 6:00 p.m. He noted that at the current amount of 2015 pledges, the 2015 budget will not allow for growth in programs and the funding of a curate position. It will be important for the parish to understand what the decrease in pledging will mean for A discussion followed. RECTOR REPORT: Paul reported that Steve Cooper has secured the domain name for All Saints to use. We will be exploring ways in which to incorporate the new domain name. Paul advised that All Saints will be a partner site for Trinity Institute s 2015 Live Web Broadcast, Creating Common Good: A Practical Conference on Economic Equality. Speakers and panel participants include the Most Rev. Justin Welby, Dr. Cornel West, Barbara Ehrenreich, Rachel Held Evans and Robert Reich, among others. Paul reported that Church of the Nativity, Greenwood, will host Jesus and Judaism: Why the Connection Matters, January The weekend will be a time of illumination and reflection on the enduring connections linking Judaism and Christianity. Topics include How Jews and Christians Read Scripture Differently ; Hearing the Christmas Story Through Jewish Ears ; Hearing the Parables Through Jewish Ears ; Understanding Jesus in His Jewish Context. Paul reported that he will be meeting with the Mississippi Center for Justice in early January to explore All Saints being a place where issues we face as a state can be discussed. Paul stated that the Tupelo Ministerial Alliance will be reorganizing after the first of the year and he will provide more details as they develop. Paul reported that the Long Term Recovery task force, set up to help with recovery efforts after the April tornado, has completed their case work and closed its office. Paul advised that the Strategic Planning Committee continues its work and hopes to have a survey ready to be distributed to the parish in January. Paul thanked Jessica Nelson and the All Saints choir for their wonderful effort during Lessons & Carols on December 7. Paul advised that the Annual Parish Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, January 25. He noted that this year we will have 2 services 8:30 and 10:45 a.m. with the Annual Meeting at 9:30 a.m.

5 Page 5 Paul stated that members of the Connector s Committee, along with several others, are in conversation about helping with pastoral care issues and ways to connect not only our newcomers, but all parishioners. Paul reported that he and the staff are having discussions about discontinuing the monthly newsletter and moving toward a weekly newsletter by . This move would reduce the office s costs in publishing the newsletter. Paul reported that he has been working on restructuring staff responsibilities in light of the fact that we will not have funding for a curate in He stated that the restructuring of the Connector s Committee will also play a part in the restructuring of staff responsibilities. He advised that some of the staff duties could be handled by volunteers, with staff oversight. He will keep the Vestry updated on the progress of this idea. BUSINESS Elect parish officers Stephen advised that each year the officers of the church need to be elected for a one year term. He offered the following parishioners to serve as officers for 2015: Reed Hillen, Chancellor Tommie Moore, Clerk of the Vestry Mike Fitzpatrick, Treasurer Kay Trapp, Ass t. Treasurer MOTION: (Anger/Van Horn) Approve officers for 2015 as submitted. Clergy housing resolution Whereas, the Reverend Paul J. Stephens is compensated by All Saints Episcopal Church exclusively for the services as a minister of the gospel; and whereas, All Saints' does not provide Fr. Stephens with a rectory, therefore, it is hereby resolved, that of the total compensation paid to Fr. Stephens for calendar year 2015 $29, is hereby designated to be a housing allowance; and it is further resolved, that the designation of $29, as a housing allowance shall apply to calendar year 2015 and all future years unless otherwise provided. This housing allowance is so designated in the official minutes of the Vestry of All Saints Episcopal Church. MOTION: (Anger/Gray) Approve ECW fundraiser Tommie advised that in lieu of their annual Food Fest fundraiser, ECW would like to have a Valentine s night dinner in the Parish Hall. The gourmet dinner will be held on February 14,

6 Page 6 with light hors d oeuvres, beef tenderloin over mashed potatoes with a red wine reduction, green bean bundles, salad, rolls, Crème Brule and chocolate mousse for dessert. Donation jars will placed at the bar area. ECW hopes to sell 120 tickets at $100 per couple, with a net profit of approximately $3,000. MOTION: (Timmons/Riddle) Approve Valentine s night dinner fundraiser for ECW as submitted. Discussion of staff Christmas bonus Paul gave thanks for the All Saints staff and their work in 2014 and asked the Vestry to consider a year-end bonus for each staff member, deacon and nursery staff. MOTION: (Hastings/Alford) Approve staff year-end bonuses in the amount of $100 each for office, program staff, and deacon and $50 each for our Nursery staff. Discussion of moving January Vestry meeting to Tuesday, January 20 Paul advised that the office and other institutions will be closed on Monday, January 19, 2014 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. He suggested that the Vestry meet on Tuesday, January 20, MOTION: (Van Horn/Hastings) Move the Vestry meeting to Tuesday, January 20, CHECK-OUT Paul gave an overview of the upcoming Christmas worship services and reminded the Vestry of the Christmas party on December 28 at 6:00 p.m. at the home of Stephen and Mary Howard King. With no further business, Fr. Paul dismissed the Vestry meeting at 7:34 p.m. Submitted by Tommie Moore, Clerk of the Vestry ATTACHMENTS TO MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER MEETING: November 17, 2014 Vestry minutes December 9, 2014 Executive Committee minutes Financial reports Operating and Capital Campaign 11/30/14 Christian Growth Commission report Christian Service Commission report Christian Stewardship Commission report Staff organization chart