After Spiritual Welfare of the Cure and Compline led by Father Binder and Tony Harriman, the Vestry granted seat and voice to John Pasour to give the finance committee report. The Vestry welcomed Joe Moran, who is replacing Connie Eppley, and approved the minutes.

Father Binder advised that since Christmas Day occurs on a Sunday but we would continue the tradition of one service at 10:00 AM on Christmas day and on New Year’s Day we would follow the summer schedule of services at 8:00 and 10:00 AM. We will have baptismal services at 9:00 and 11:15 services on All Saints Day. Victoria Heard, who served previously at Pohick Church is starting a mission church in Arlington and has asked for financial assistance. Father Binder discussed the status of music in our services and our search for a new Director of Music, which he is addressing in his column of the Post.

Reverend Piver announced the Women’s Retreat on October 28-29.

Senior Warden Pete Kind encouraged Vestry support to Dave Lehner and the committee of outgoing Vestry members who are preparing a slate of candidates for the new Vestry. He also led adjustment of the open up/lock up schedule.

Junior Warden Ken Wrona briefed the delay and additional Fairfax County permit and bond requirements for the road entrance from Route 1 at Pohick Road. The Vestry approved the posting of a $5,000 bond with Fairfax County to allow construction to proceed.

Pete Kind presented the Treasurer’s report for Ken Evans, who is traveling. After approval of the Treasurer’s report, John Pasour presented the Finance Committee’s recommended changes to the budget based on experience to date this year. The first change discussed was an adjustment to our payments to the Diocese based on reduction in restricted pledges this year to 34%. Accordingly, the payments to the Diocese are increased by $7,300 and Outreach is decreased by the same amount. The remaining changes in brief include: music expenses are reduced about $6,000 in the absence of our Minister of Music, fuel and telephone increased by $2,597, cemetery operations reflected a net decrease of $4,400 and building expenses increased by $33,405 ($3,405 Rectory landscaping and $30,000 architectural consultants for the capital building program). The net changes to the annual budget approved by the Vestry increase our currently projected annual deficit by $900 to $24,500.

On other financial matters, Commission leads are to provide their projected 2006 budgets to Pat Osisek prior to October 24 for Finance Committee use in recommending the next year budget to the Vestry in December.

Greg Wise asked the Vestry to study the draft Personnel Policy he distributed prior to the meeting and be prepared to discuss it at the November Vestry meeting.

Jane Thurston briefed stewardship plans and enlisted volunteers to assist in services, followed by closing prayer.

I would like to close by saying a special thanks and auf wiedersehen to Vern and Connie Eppley for your service in so many capacities in our worship, our stewardship and our fellowship. You are special to all of us and we look forward to your visits and ours with you as God wills.