For June 2002
The regular meeting of the vestry of St John’s Church, Elizabeth City Parish, Hampton, Virginia was held at the parish house on June 11, 2002, Bob Harper, Senior Warden, presiding.
Vestry members present were Nelson Durden, Frank Edgar, Sr., Bob Harper; Senior Warden, Connie Heath; Treasurer, Bill Kirkland, Elizabeth Phillips, Bettyrene Pope; Registrar, and Mary Ellen Sawyer.
Absent: Hansi Haufler, Bill Mace, Eric Stewart, Jim Shoemaker, and W.L. (Bill) Terrill
Also present: Harold and Skeeter Brauer, Kathy Dansey, Jim Tormey, and Skip Hutton (supply priest)
Devotions were given by Bob Harper.
The minutes of the following meetings are: Special meeting April 29 – approved as corrected Special meeting May 8 – approved as corrected Regular meeting May 14 – approved Executive session May 14 – approved as corrected Special meeting May 19 – approved Special meeting May 28 – approved as corrected
Good of the Parish – Skeeter Brauer gave a report on the 50th Anniversary of the Consolidation of the City of Hampton celebration plans. A commemorative worship service will be held on Sunday, July 14th at 10:00 am at St. John’s. A reception will be follow in the parish house. City Council members and the Consolidation Committee members have been invited to worship with us.
EYC Leadership – Kathy Dansey announced she is in search of leaders for the EYC due to the relocation to Gloucester of Kim and Devin Hensley. Kathy suggested the establishment of a Youth Ministries Committee with vestry representation to help plan and coordinate programs and activities for our youth (grades 6-12). The vestry agreed to the committee. Bob then announced the appointments of vestry members to particular responsibilities within the parish. Mary Ellen Sawyer, Bill Kirkland, and Eric Stewart will oversee Programs of the church. The Youth Ministries Committee will be part of Programs. Kim and Devin will be recognized for their service to the EYC.
Search Process- Jim Tormey, as chairman of the Search Committee, shared some thoughts he had about the last search process and the one we are about to start. Several items were discussed that may have been critical to Keith’s decision to leave. The plan the Diocese has can be shortened. It was suggested that a parameter of time be set for the next search. More discussion followed as to concerns the Search Committee had. The Vestry agreed to their selection of Keith as the best choice. The end result is that Keith was not a good fit for St. John’s.
Treasurer’s report – Connie Heath reported that the total plate and pledge receipts for May were $24,911.90. Disbursements for the month were $33,734.88. The checking account balance is $56,777.12. As a policy, the Discretionary Fund is audited when a minister leaves and this will be done. This provides written record for the account.
Bill Rhode reported that the Finance Committee has had two meetings. He commended Connie, Ann and Bill Boyer for having done outstanding jobs with the financial records. We are within the budget financially. Maintaining accountability and keeping expenses to a minimum will insure we stay that way. Hopefully we will see an increase in pledges and contributions in the coming months.
The plaque for Willie Parker’s seventy (70) years of service to St. John’s will be unveiled at the 10:00 o’clock service on Sunday. Arrangements have been made to have him in attendance followed by a reception afterward. The loose plate offerings will be given to him.
Outreach – Twenty bags of food have been returned. Habitat for Humanity is raising money for building supplies. See the display in the parish house for update on contributions thus far.
Vestry Retreat- The vestry retreat will be July 12 and 13 at a place to be determined. B. J. Taylor will be the facilitator. Bill Mace, Jim Shoemaker, and Bob Harper will make up the agenda. Suggestions are welcome.
Visitation Ministry – No responses have been received.
LEM Training – Charles Edmonson is scheduling a meeting for all who are interested.
New Business Bob, Bill Mace, and Frank Edgar, Sr. met with Skip Hutton concerning the interim position. He is interested and has worked out a schedule over and above his commitment to his 32 hours at the Center for Spiritual Formation at St. Andrew’s in Norfolk. The schedule will permit 35 to 40 hours of coverage for St. John’s with Skip and his associates. Skip will spend 4 evenings a month, half days on Friday and Saturday, and Sunday – church and administrative duties. Dr. Anne Brauer would do the Healing Service on Thursdays and pastoral care the rest of the day. Jane Price would be on call for immediate crisis and six hours of pastoral care. Skip feels he could be very helpful to our search process. He is committing to 6 months, no longer than 8 months for us.
Pros and cons of the above arrangement were discussed. The question of whether other interims were available arose. Bob will check with Bishop Bane and report back. No decision was made concerning Skip at this time.
Lew Vermillion gave his written resignation to Bob. He is resigning as Junior Warden and as a member of the vestry. It was accepted. Bill Terrill was nominated for the position of Junior Warden. The vote was taken and Bill is the new Junior Warden. The church and parish hall security was discussed. Bill will be asked to check into this.
Kathy Dansey will be attending the Shrine Mont Education Conference from St. John’s, July 21-25th.
Parish Recognitions- The following people will be recognized for their service and dedication to St. John’s:
Betty Allen – LEM Sylvia Edgar – parish secretary Warren Spratley – treasurer Kim and Devin Hensley – EYC leaders Ann Ward
Members of the choir will be recognized at the June 10th service. The Sunday school teachers will be recognized at a gathering at Trudy O’Reilly’s home in June.
Recognition of the new vestry members will take place at a date to be determined.
Vestry Assignments- Vestry members will be responsible for overseeing the following areas within the parish life: Outreach – Bob Harper, Bill Terrill, Elizabeth Phillips Diocese – Nelson Durden, Bill Mace, and Frank Edgar, Sr. Programs – Mary Ellen Sawyer, Bill Kirkland, and Eric Stewart Staffing – Hansi Haufler, Bettyrene Pope, and Jim Shoemaker
The vestry members will continue making announcements at the church services. Bettyrene is in charge of 8:00 am and Bob is in charge of 10:00 am.
Closing prayer.
Adjournment.
Bettyrene Pope Registrar