Christ Episcopal Church
107 South Washington Street, Rockville, MD 20850
Phone (301) 762-2191 Fax (301) 762-0928 Christchurch@cecrockville.org

March 25, 2003 (Approved 4/29/2003)

The Christ Episcopal Church (CEC) Vestry met in regular session on Tuesday, January 28, 2003, in the Parish House, 107 South Washington St., Rockville, Maryland. At 7:40 p.m. the Rector, John S. McDuffie, called the meeting to order and led in an opening prayer. He then swore in Richard A. Wire as the Vestry’s new Secretary.

Vestry Members: Marie-Therese Giordani; Peter Hardinge; Lucy Huffman; Eric Jorgensen; Mindy McCartin; Karen Near; Linda Rhoads, Junior Warden; Eugene Sullivan, Senior Warden; George Wong; and Sandra Yin

Others: Mary Bell, Treasurer; Matthew McCartin, Youth Representative to the Vestry; and Richard A. Wire, Vestry Secretary

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

The minutes of the regular December 17, 2002, Vestry meeting were approved as amended. The minutes of the special January 11, 2003, Vestry meeting on the budget were approved as submitted.

RECTOR’S REPORT

First, the Rector summarized his paper “Thoughts on the Mission Development of Christ Church” and invited discussion. According to the Rector, the central issue is our parish’s identity and mission. Do we want to be a growing programmatic parish with sufficient financial and other support for expanded ministry? Or do we want to be a pastoral parish with a smaller operating budget and lowered expectations for ministry? Two concerns now highlight the importance of this issue: (1) the desire of Christ Episcopal School (CES) to expand and (2) the parish’s persistent financial problems. In early November 2002, the Rector and other CEC/CES leaders met with the Rev. Dr. Loren Mead, founder of the Alban Institute, and Mona Hanford, Director of Development at St. Patrick’s Day School in Washington, DC. On January 7, 2003, they met with Ann Bailey, a Kairos Ministries fundraiser. Based on these discussions, the Rector has now recommended that the Vestry engage a consultant to help plan for the parish’s future, including its partnership with CES. In his view, the parish should move beyond the incomplete revisioning effort of two years ago. Now is the time to develop a new design for achieving a common dream rather than perpetuating the status quo of disparate interests within the parish. Vestry members then engaged in a vigorous discussion. Among the varied views expressed were (1) the necessity of clarifying our mission before endorsing a building project; (2) the need to be fiscally responsible and stay out of debt; (3) the belief that we have already identified our mission and should now focus on, and be more excited about, that mission; (4) the sense that another revisioning process might lack clearly defined objectives and would be time-consuming as well as costly; and (5) a consciousness that recent economic conditions have restrained giving to the parish. Then the Rector stated that he planned to discuss the matter further with the Rev. Dr. Mead.

Secondly, the Rector briefly discussed his thought piece on the nominating process, recommended that Linda Rhoads chair the Committee, identified March 7 as the deadline for submitting nominee biographies to the editor of The Angelus, and noted the requirement to report on nominations at least 30 days before this year’s May 4 Annual Meeting.

OLD BUSINESS

Nominating Committee: Lucy Huffman moved that the following individuals be appointed to the Nominating Committee: Linda Rhoads (chair), Mindy McCartin, George Wong, and Sandra Yin. Karen Near seconded the motion. The motion was carried unanimously.

Budget Planning: After a lengthy discussion, Sandra Yin moved that the deficit allowable in the new budget be limited to no more than five percent of projected revenue. Mindy McCartin seconded the motion. The motion was carried, with one dissenting vote. It was then agreed informally to increase the proposed compensation to clergy and staff (to narrow the gap by approximately 25 percent toward what the Diocese recommends for a particular position) and to have the Rector consult with George Wong to work out the details. It was agreed that the Vestry would review these and other changes in the proposed budget at its next meeting.

NEW BUSINESS: None

NOTICE OF NEXT MEETING

The Vestry will reconvene on Tuesday, February 11, 2003, at 7:30 p.m. to discuss the proposed budget and other matters.

CLOSING PRAYER AND ADJOURNMENT

At the Rector’s request, Eugene Sullivan, Senior Warden, gave the closing prayer. The meeting adjourned at 10:10 p.m.

The Christ Episcopal Church (CEC) Vestry met in special session on Tuesday, February 11, 2003, in the Parish House, 107 South Washington St., Rockville, Maryland. At 7:45 p.m. the Rector, John S. McDuffie, called the meeting to order and began with a prayer.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

The minutes of the January 28, 2003, Vestry meeting were approved, with the addition of wording in the first sentence to indicate it was a regular session.

REPORTS: None

OLD BUSINESS: BUDGET PLANNING

The Vestry continued its painstaking consideration of the proposed budget. After receiving a revised spreadsheet, the Vestry discussed the following major topics:

Designated giving: The Rector expressed concern about such giving when it replaced pledging. Various views were then expressed, such as (1) designated giving is acceptable if kept under control; (2) there is no clear understanding of when a designated gift may be appropriate; (3) contributions have been made to the Youth program by those who do not pledge; (4) such contributions may sometimes be a sign of unhappiness with other CEC programs but may also be from those inspired by the Youth program or events; and (5) designated giving is a positive expression of generosity. The Rector spoke of the need to be excited about all CEC programs. After further discussion the Vestry agreed to consider this topic at a later meeting.

Clergy compensation: The Vestry considered this topic in relation to the proposed budget. After having the Associate Rector leave the meeting, the Vestry debated the question of whether CEC could afford a fulltime Associate Rector as opposed to a part-time one or else a fulltime Assistant Rector. The Rector explained the decision in 2000 to call an Associate Rector. The foremost reasons were the disappointing nature of the candidates for Assistant Rector and the need for an experienced Clergyperson to share liturgical duties and to oversee what are now the program areas of Pastoral Care, Adult Christian Formation, Outreach, and Hospitality (including Communications). Various views were then expressed, such as (1) the effectiveness of these programs would be reduced somewhat if they had no experienced pastoral leadership; (2) a fulltime Associate Rector position has resulted in more fruitful activities, and the lack of such a position would mean chaos for the Rector; (3) the Associate Rector has proven ability in overseeing the four program areas; (4) the Assistant Rector option is preferable, and it is questionable whether CEC should try to be a programmatic church; (5) the Vestry should perhaps confront the Annual Meeting with the “harsh reality” of CEC’s financial condition and present a “cheaper” alternative; (6) CEC’s cash account balance of $50,000 is sufficient for 2003; (7) last year’s expenditure of nearly $20,000 for Choir Section Leaders exceeded substantially the budgeted amount, and the line item of $2,425 for the Easter Brass (“Performance”) is questionable; (8) the Vestry should accept the proposed budget (except for the pending issue of the Parish Secretary’s salary) with the option of considering cuts in the future; and (9) it is unwise to delay consideration of the Associate Rector’s status until after the Annual Meeting. After further discussion by the Vestry, Mindy McCartin moved that the fulltime Associate Rector’s position be funded to the end of August 2003 (when the contract expires) and then decreased to a halftime position (“20 hours”). Sandra Yin seconded the motion. Given the lateness of the hour and the significance of an issue that had not been on the agenda, the Vestry decided unanimously to lay the motion on the table.

Staff compensation: Before, during, and after the preceding topics of discussion, the Vestry considered staff compensation, especially in relation to the Parish Secretary. It agreed informally to have the Rector offer the Parish Secretary a 2.25 percent increase in hourly wage with the option of increasing hours worked to as many as 40 per week.

Rite 13: Mindy McCartin moved that $10,000 be taken from the Trailing Fund and allocated to Rite 13 costs. Marie-Therese Giordani seconded the motion. The motion was carried unanimously.

NEW BUSINESS: None

NOTICE OF NEXT MEETING

CLOSING PRAYER AND ADJOURNMENT

The Christ Episcopal Church (CEC) Vestry met in regular session on Tuesday, February 25, 2003, in the Parish House, 107 South Washington St., Rockville, Maryland. At 7:39 p.m. the Rector, John S. McDuffie, called the meeting to order and began with prayer.

Vestry Members: Jeffrey Fritzlen; Marie-Therese Giordani; Peter Hardinge; Lucy Huffman; Eric Jorgensen; Mindy McCartin; Karen Near; Linda Rhoads, Junior Warden; Eugene Sullivan, Senior Warden; George Wong; and Sandra Yin

Others: Mary Bell, Treasurer; Matthew McCartin, Youth Representative to the Vestry; and Richard A. Wire, Vestry Secretary

OLD BUSINESS

Associate Rector: The Rector discussed the Rev. Susan Astarita’s resignation, effective on February 28. After receiving her resignation letter on February 19, he read it aloud at all three worship services on February 23. After further discussion the Rector recommended two months of the compensation package (approximately $14,000) be given to the departing Associate Rector as severance. Mindy McCartin moved that one month of the compensation package be provided as severance, and Jeffrey Fritzlen seconded the motion. Karen Near moved to amend the main motion with a substitute motion providing for two months of such compensation. Seconded by Marie-Therese Giordani, this substitute motion was defeated (3 in favor and 9 against). Jeffrey Fritzlen moved to amend the main motion (one month of the compensation package) to provide for one additional month of health insurance, whether or not the insurance money goes to the Diocese (total severance package of approximately $7,666). Seconded by Mindy McCartin, this motion to amend was carried (9 in favor and 3 against). The main motion, as amended, was carried (7 in favor and 5 against). The Vestry then considered funding a temporary replacement until an Assistant Rector could be called to an apparently halftime position (approximately $30,000 to $35,000 annually). Mindy McCartin moved that up to $4,000 be approved during March for backup clergy services. Seconded by Jeffrey Fritzlen, the motion was carried unanimously.

Parish Secretary’s compensation. The Senior Warden moved to provide for a Parish Secretary compensation package of $34,300 ($31,500 plus benefits). Seconded by Mindy McCartin, the motion was carried unanimously.

Final budget planning: It was agreed that the proposed budget would be ready for final consideration once the Vestry received information on the compensation package for an Assistant Rector. The Rector reported that he would soon visit Church House regarding potential candidates and would call a special meeting of the Vestry if a selection could be made before the next regular meeting.

Designated giving: It was clarified that such giving does not change the budget itself but increases the amount spent on a particular line item.

REPORTS

Outreach: Those responsible for the Bargain Box are looking for a new location and are making some progress.

Risk Management: A document on property insurance coverage was distributed for information purposes.

Nominating Committee: Robert McCartin has agreed to run for Junior Warden; Charles Griffths and Donna Wolohojian, for the Vestry; and Margaret Coleman, for the Vestry or Junior Warden. Joyce Bryant, Eugene Sullivan, and Richard A. Wire have agreed to run for Delegate seats; and James Hubbard’s reply is pending.

NEW BUSINESS

Sandra Yin asked that the agenda for the next regular meeting include discussion of proxy votes by Vestry members (two motions to be introduced), along with draft documents on CEC’s mission and budget constraints.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND NOTICE OF NEXT MEETING

The minutes of the special February 11, 2003, Vestry meeting were approved as amended. The Vestry will reconvene on Tuesday, March 25, 2003, at 7:30 p.m.

CLOSING PRAYER AND ADJOURNMENT

The Christ Episcopal Church (CEC) Vestry met in regular session on Tuesday, March 25, 2003, in the Parish House, 107 South Washington St., Rockville, Maryland. At 7:36 p.m. the Rector, John S. McDuffie, called the meeting to order and began with prayer.

Vestry Members: Jeffrey Fritzlen; Marie-Therese Giordani; Mindy McCartin; Karen Near; Eugene Sullivan, Senior Warden; and Sandra Yin

Others: Mary Bell, Treasurer; Thaddeus P. Cavouti, Music Director and Organist; Margaret Coleman and Amanda Freeman, Adult Christian Formation; Carl Schwartz; and Richard A. Wire, Vestry Secretary

RECTOR’S REPORT

Stewardship Initiatives. The Rector referred to the forthcoming effort to survey ministry areas regarding the number of hours spent and to enhance those ministries. At his request Margaret Coleman and Amanda Freeman reported on the proposed “Network” program, which is designed to help parishioners discover and use their unique blend of gifts, passion, and style in specific ministries. An 8-hour training pilot is in the offing for CEC leaders. While Stewardship has oversight responsibility, Adult Christian Formation, Communications, and other groups will assist in this initiative.

Interim Pastoral Care Associate. The Rev. Karen Johnson, Christ Episcopal School Chaplain, has been appointed as an Interim Pastoral Care Associate on a part-time (10 hours per week) basis. She is receiving $350 per week plus 18 percent for her pension.

Development of Part-Time Clergy Position. The Rector reported on early contacts regarding this position and received Vestry suggestions on how to proceed, such as to interview but keep other options open.

ORGAN PROJECT

Thaddeus Cavouti and Carl Schwartz presented two items. First, they recommended additions (“addenda”) to the original organ project. After discussion Mindy McCartin moved approval of addenda 1, 3, and 4, with funds to be taken from the trailing money. Sandra Yin seconded the motion. Jeffrey Fritzlen moved to amend the motion to approve only addendum 1, which would make the organ stops more expressive and whose $14,709 cost is some $10,000 less than it would be later on. Seconded by Mindy McCartin, the motion to amend was passed unanimously. The main motion, as amended, was passed unanimously. The Vestry indicated it did not object to Carl Schwartz’s asking for Memorial Fund donations to pay for addenda 3 (a rotating bell stop) and 4 (full size chimes). The second item was the disposition of the current organ console. Karen Near moved that Carl Schwartz be authorized to sell the console, with the proceeds going to CEC. Seconded by Jeffrey Fritzlen, the motion was carried unanimously.

OTHER REPORTS

Youth. Lenten projects have included a Homeless Night in which the Youth assumed the role of Rockville’s homeless.

Fellowship. A potluck is planned for April 27 with Calvary Redeeming United Methodist Church, and a picnic is planned for early June.

Hospitality. The pictorial directory is now in the layout stage of publication.

Outreach. Furniture is being moved into the Samaritan Ministry’s transitional housing site for homeless families. The food ministry continues at the end of each month.

Nominating Committee. Margaret Coleman and Robert McCartin are running for Junior Warden. Vestry candidates include Susan Cooke Anastasi, Elizabeth Carswell, David Craig, Charles Griffiths, Cecelia (Peg) Hincke, Dalton Potter, Carl Schwartz, Louise Wager, and Donna Wolohojian. Diocesan Convention Delegate candidates include F. Joyce Bryant, James B. Hubbard, Eugene Sullivan, and Richard A. Wire.

OLD BUSINESS (None); NEW BUSINESS

Mission and Ministry Grid. The Vestry discussed this subject and agreed to ensure that the handbook on Vestry duties explains the financial responsibilities of Vestry members.

Handicapped Parking. The Rockville Police Chief has informally approved placing cones on South Washington St. to reserve handicapped parking space on Sunday mornings. The Rector will ask the ushers to manage cone placement and removal.

Treasurer’s Resignation. Mary Bell is resigning as CEC Treasurer, effective in May or when a replacement is named.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND NOTICE OF NEXT MEETING

The minutes of the regular February 25, 2003, Vestry meeting were approved as amended. At the Rector’s request the Vestry will reconvene in regular session at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29 (instead of April 22).

CLOSING PRAYER AND ADJOURNMENT

The Christ Episcopal Church (CEC) Vestry met in regular session on Tuesday, April 29, 2003, in the Parish House, 107 South Washington St., Rockville, Maryland. At 7:35 p.m. the Rector, John S. McDuffie, called the meeting to order and began with prayer.

Vestry Members: Jeffrey Fritzlen; Marie-Therese Giordani; Peter Hardinge; Lucy Huffman; Karen Near; Linda Rhoads, Junior Warden; Eugene Sullivan, Senior Warden; and George Wong.

RECTOR’S REPORT

Stewardship. The Rector stated that he had postponed the meeting to survey ministry areas regarding the number of hours spent and to discuss ways of enhancing those ministries.

Part-Time Clergy Assistance. In view of CEC’s financial situation and the March 25 Vestry meeting discussion, the Rector recommended the continuation until early in 2004 of the interim arrangement with the Rev. Karen Johnson (10 hours per week as Pastoral Care Associate). This scenario would give the new Vestry time to consider the position description of a permanent clergy assistant in the context of a unified vision of CEC’s ministry and mission. The Vestry approved this recommendation by consensus, along with the Rector’s request for three more Sundays off during that period.

BUDGET APPROVAL AND FINANCE REPORT

With the part-time clergy assistance matter resolved, Jeffrey Fritzlen moved the approval of the revised budget as submitted. Seconded by Peter Hardinge, the motion was carried unanimously. George Wong gave the monthly Finance report and discussed the management of cash flow. The Vestry received his report and applauded his service as Finance Chair.

OTHER REPORTS

Outreach. On May 2 the Bargain Box is scheduled to move to 398 Hungerford Drive. There it can continue its mission of raising money for community ministry as well as serving low-income people. Because this move results in higher lease cost and may reduce business temporarily, the Vestry informally authorized Lucy Huffman to make a special appeal for CEC contributions to the Community Ministries of Rockville. This action was taken to compensate for a likely shortfall in Bargain Box contributions.

Adult Christian Formation. An 8-hour training pilot of the Network program is still planned for the near future.

OLD BUSINESS (None); NEW BUSINESS

Appointees to the Christ Episcopal School (CES) Board of Governors. To clear the way for its nomination of John Marshall as Board Chair, CES requested a one-time waiver of its bylaw requiring that the Board Chair be a member of an Episcopal church within the Diocese of Washington (DOW). Karen Near moved that the Vestry approve this one-time waiver, provided there was no impediment in the DOW guidelines. Seconded by Jeffrey Fritzlen, the motion was carried unanimously. Karen Near moved that the Vestry approve the appointment of John Marshall as CES Board Chair and of John Thornton as CES Board member. Seconded by Jeffrey Fritzlen, the motion was carried unanimously.

CEC Office Credit Card. Lucy Huffman moved approval of the procurement of a CEC staff credit card with a $1,000 credit limit and with Karen Hagberg and Catherine Jameson as the signatories in order to facilitate the purchase of computer software and other office supplies. Seconded by Jeffrey Fritzlen, the motion was carried unanimously. When the particular card has been selected, the Vestry Secretary is to prepare a letter for his signature and that of the Senior Warden to make a formal request for such a card.

South Washington Street Plans. A recent Rockville city report proposes one-way traffic south on South Washington St. in the vicinity of CEC. The Rector and others may need to meet with city officials to discuss options.

Annual Meeting Election Supervision. By consensus the Vestry agreed to appoint Linda Rhoads as supervisor and Jeffrey Fritzlen as assistant supervisor of the May 4 Annual Meeting elections.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND NOTICE OF NEXT MEETING

The minutes of the regular March 25, 2003, Vestry meeting were approved as amended. After the Annual Meeting, the Rector will consult with new members of the Vestry before announcing the date of the next Vestry meeting.

CLOSING PRAYER AND ADJOURNMENT

The Christ Episcopal Church (CEC) Vestry met in special session on Tuesday, May 20, 2003, in the Parish House, 107 South Washington St., Rockville, Maryland. At 7:06 p.m. the Rector, John S. McDuffie, called the meeting to order and began with prayer.

Vestry Members: David Craig; Jeffrey Fritzlen; Marie-Therese Giordani; Charles Griffiths; Cecilia (Peg) Hincke; Lucy Huffman; Eric Jorgensen; Robert McCartin, Junior Warden; Karen Near; Eugene Sullivan, Senior Warden; and Louise Wager

Others: Charles Feitel and John Marshall, Christ Episcopal School (CES) representatives during second half of meeting; and Richard A. Wire, Vestry Secretary

WELCOME AND TEAM-BUILDING ACTIVITIES

The Rector welcomed Robert McCartin, the new Junior Warden, as well as new Vestry members David Craig, Charles Griffiths, Cecilia Hincke, and Louise Wager. The Rector explained that since the individual schedules of the Vestry did not permit a half-day retreat in the May-June period, he had called for this special Vestry meeting and a subsequent special meeting for the purpose of dialogue, planning, and discernment.

The Rector invited a discussion of what it meant to “hold in trust.” Answers included taking care of something for somebody else, holding intact, not being self-serving but rather protecting and preserving, exercising stewardship, valuing a family name, and assuming responsibility for a thing or idea. In terms of the church, the Rector emphasized managing a corporate communion by nurturing in a family sense and seeking its well-being. He then asked Vestry members to identify someone in their lives who had held them in trust. Answers included a band director, a series of spiritual directors, a brother serving as a father figure, a long-time friend active at CEC, a boyhood pastor, a priest at school, a military officer, and a coach after a father’s untimely death.

The Rector highlighted the importance of the Vestry’s striving for a common understanding in its deliberations. He led a discussion of guidelines on dialogue, which involves, among other goals, the search for common ground, as in carrying out the responsibilities entrusted to the new Vestry. Although not proposing a consensus model of decision-making, the Rector pointed to the value of a spirit of consensus, especially by allowing the Holy Spirit to bring about what the Quakers call “a gathered meeting.” Careful preparation and timeliness are also to characterize the Vestry. Its members are to be stewards – faithful managers of the church’s resources and partners in discerning and implementing its mission and ministry. Since they are also to be spiritual leaders, the Rector suggested that each member take turns in opening a Vestry meeting with prayer. He concluded by describing the formulation of CEC’s four ministry areas: worship, Christian nurture, pastoral care, and outreach.

CONCERNS OF CHURCH AND SCHOOL

The second half of the meeting was devoted to common concerns of CEC and CES. Charles Feitel and John Marshall, the Chair of CES’s Board of Governors, joined the meeting to represent CES in the discussions. The first topic was the city’s proposal to route traffic one-way south on South Washington St. from Route 28 to Vinson St. (directly across from the CEC/CES driveway entrance). The conclusion was that the proposal created more problems than it solved.

The second topic was on ways of pursuing the goal, previously approved by the Vestry, of expanding CES to the benefit of both CES and CEC. After considerable discussion, Louise Wager moved that the Vestry (1) allow CES/CEC representatives to meet with Mr. Magruder to explore options regarding the Jefferson property and (2) approve the establishment of a task force to make phased-in communication with parishioners regarding the planned expansion of CES. After Karen Near seconded the motion, Robert McCartin moved that the two parts of the motion be decoupled. Seconded by Karen Near, the amendment to decouple was carried with one dissenting vote. The Vestry then approved unanimously the motion to allow CES/CEC representatives to meet with Mr. Magruder to explore options regarding the Jefferson property. After a motion to lay the second motion on the table failed, the Vestry approved by a two-thirds vote the establishment of a task force to make phased-in communication with parishioners regarding the planned expansion of CES.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND NOTICE OF NEXT MEETING

No action was taken on the minutes of the April 29, 2003, meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for early or mid-June, on a date yet to be determined.

CLOSING PRAYER AND ADJOURNMENT

The Rector closed by leading the Vestry in the Lord’s Prayer. The meeting adjourned at 10:19 p.m.

The Christ Episcopal Church (CEC) Vestry met in special session on Tuesday, June 17, 2003, in the Parish House, 107 South Washington St., Rockville, Maryland. At 7:07 p.m. the Rector, John S. McDuffie, called the meeting to order and began with a Scripture reading (especially “He [Christ] must increase, but I must decrease”) and with prayer.

ATTENDANCE:

Clergy: John S. McDuffie, Rector

Others: Richard A. Wire, Vestry Secretary

DISCERNMENT OF MINISTRY PRIORITIES AND ASSIGNMENTS

After describing the meeting as part two of an overview of the Vestry, the Rector distributed a handout on “Ministries of Christ Church.” It highlighted Vestry and committee responsibilities and listed specific ministries under the four areas of worship, Christian nurture, pastoral care, and outreach. At the Rector’s invitation the Vestry considered CEC’s ministry priorities by reviewing ministry strengths and needed enhancements. Among the strengths discussed were (1) the music, sermons, and acolytes in the worship services; (2) the Forums; (3) Sunday school; (4) the 9 a.m. Sunday adult study; (5) the youth program; (6) the Lenten Lunches; (7) pastoral care extraordinaire; (8) the Coffee Fellowship Hour; (9) Parish Communications; (10) the Bargain Box; and (11) food and housing outreach projects.

The needs discussed included (1) a revitalized and more timely stewardship program (volunteerism and fund-raising); (2) better acoustics and improved sound systems for worship services and the Forum; (3) expanded and/or more suitable space for the Forum, the Coffee Fellowship Hour, child care on Sunday mornings, Christ Episcopal School (CES), committee meetings, parking, and other uses; (4) a more deliberate strategy for attracting and following up with newcomers from the community and CES; (5) a systematic approach to senior ministries; and (6) a dedicated budget item for Community Ministries of Rockville.

The Vestry then discussed the following committee liaison assignments: Adult Christian Formation (Karen Near), Fellowship (Robert McCartin), Finance (Louise Wager and Charles Griffiths), Memorials (Cecilia (Peg) Hincke), Outreach (Lucy Huffman and David Craig), Pastoral Care (Marie-Therese Giordani), Property (Eric Jorgensen and Cecilia (Peg) Hincke), and Risk Management (Jeffrey Fritzlen). Louise Wager and Charles Griffiths will consider a joint liaison assignment to Hospitality. Eugene Sullivan declined a liaison assignment to Stewardship.

OTHER MATTERS

Church Treasurer. The Rector announced that Louise Wager is succeeding Mary Bell as the CEC treasurer.

Sign-Up Sheets. The Rector distributed two sign-up sheets for Vestry members to volunteer taking turns opening a Vestry meeting with prayer and serving as greeters on Sunday mornings.

Ministries Fair. This year’s Ministries Fair is scheduled for September 14.

NEW BUSINESS

Additional Bench for the Columbarium Area. By consensus the Vestry agreed to a request made by Eric Jorgensen to place another bench in the columbarium area.

Parish House Telephone System. After Eric Jorgensen reported on this matter, Karen Near moved that Vestry approve the purchase of a new telephone system for the Parish House at a cost of approximately $8,800 to be taken out of the Plant Fund. Seconded by Eric Jorgensen, the motion was carried unanimously.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND NOTICE OF NEXT MEETING

The minutes of the April 29 and May 20, 2003, meetings were approved as read. The next regular meeting is scheduled for July 22, 2003.

CLOSING PRAYER AND ADJOURNMENT

The Senior Warden gave the closing prayer. The meeting adjourned at 9:56 p.m.

Richard A. Wire
Vestry Secretary