The regular meeting of the vestry of St John’s Church, Elizabeth City Parish, Hampton, Virginia was held at the parish house on October 7, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. The Reverend Donna Mae Siderius, Rector presided. She welcomed everyone and opened the meeting with a prayer.
Vestry members present were William Andrews, Greg Brauer, Linda Curtis, Frank Edgar, Sr. Senior Warden, Peggy Hayes, Connie Heath – Treasurer, Bill Kirkland, Vestal Lewis, Denine Miller, Elizabeth Phillips, Bettyrene Pope- Registrar, Jim Shoemaker, Sandy Smith, and Bill Terrill- Junior Warden.
Absent was Eric Stewart.
Also present were Susan and David Copley – Assistant Rectors
Devotions were given by Connie Heath.
Program- Creating a Safe Place for Difficult Conversations
Donna Mae gave out a handout entitled ” Norms and Guidelines concerning – “Discussions”. Discussion is finding the way together. Debate supports losers and winners and this is not a goal when talking with one another. Each of the points on the handout were talked about and everyone was encouraged to contribute their thoughts.
The meeting with the Bishop initiated discussion. Most felt the congregation had a good sense of him. The parishioners seemed very satisfied in being able to talk with him. The questions are not resolved. The issues are still alive and will remain so and our mission continues to be ” to bring people to God, in the presence of God”.
Rector’s Report- Donna Mae reported that September had been a difficult month and the impetus to start church activities had not been given its full gusto. The Living with Money seminar only has sixteen people participating. More were anticipated. The acolyte trip to the National Cathedral will be on Saturday, October 11th. David Copley will be the chaperone. The staff made preparations for the hurricane. When it was over, little damage had been incurred. Damage to the roof, which already had some problems, was increased and the sacristy and robing rooms are in need of repair. On the previous Friday, Donna Mae talked with Mayor Locke about a debriefing on the hurricane to include the church organizations to develop systems and have them in place when disaster hits. Doug Stowe from Gloria Dei is very interested in helping develop such a program.
Assistant Rectors’ Report – Susan has been helping with the EYC. They have added a spiritual component to their meetings and have a chaplain. They are being introduced to the book “The God Bearing Life”. The Newcomer’s meeting will be Thursday night, October 9th at 7 pm in the parish house. Susan has been asked to address the Catholic Diocesan Women about “women in the clergy”.
David was unable to attend the September vestry meeting due to being in New York attending to concerns about Liberia and Cuttington College. He is trying to be flexible in his schedule in dividing his time. He will attend the Acolyte Festival in Washington.
He reported visiting families and doing pastoral duties. He has been very active with his new “chain saw ministry” due to the downed trees of Hurricane Isabel.
David also has been helping with the Newcomers meetings with Susan. In this ministry, he feels we also need to minister to people who are already members and do not feel a part of St. John’s.
Senior Warden’s Report – Frank Edgar, Sr. Frank reported that the clergy had been busy contacting people before the hurricane to offer assistance. They continue to field calls and offer help and assistance since the storm has passed. There is a definite need for funds to help people get roots removed from the uprooted trees. We possibly need to put in place a “disaster relief fund”. Concern is there that we are not getting response or involvement from the twenty to thirty five year age groups in church related activities. Perhaps a call or contact from the vestry would encourage participation.
George Neal has resigned from the Finance Committee. Frank moved that Charlie Edmonson be nominated as his replacement. There was a second and the vote taken. The motion passed. Action Taken: -Charlie Edmonson will serve as a member of the Finance Committee.
The suggestion was made that perhaps the vestry could be assigned people within the church to contact on a regular basis. David Copley, Bill Kirkland, Sandy Smith and Bill Andrews will develop some type of program for contacting parishioners.
Junior Warden’s Report – Bill Terrill Bill told about William E. Jordan (John Lawson) developing spending and construction plans for the parish house for the remainder of the year. Terry Houston has been contacted about the church roof and its repair. The Hoffman House plumbing is in good working order at present. There is great concern over the appearance of the church yard. It was suggested that perhaps the youth might be interested in undertaking this as a project. A need for a Church Work Day might be planned also. Bill will work on this and report back.
Minutes – Bettyrene Pope The minutes of the July 8th meeting were presented. Linda moved that they be approved. It was seconded and passed. The minutes of the September 9th were presented. Denine moved that they be approved. It was seconded and passed.
Action Taken – July and Sept. minutes were approved as read.
Treasurer’s Report – Connie Heath Connie will sign checks before the Finance Committee meets on Wednesday. Our expenses each month run $36,000. We took in $28,895.75 for the month of September. We are spending more than we take in. There is approximately $18,000 in the checking account – $12,000 allowable for paying expenses. Connie asked for some guidelines in determining when to do what about the money. Jim moved that Connie as Treasurer and Bill Rhode as Chairman of the Finance Committee will come to the vestry for guidance if we get to the point we cannot make two payrolls for the staff. The motion was seconded. Much discussion ensued. The motion passed. Action Taken: Connie and Bill Rhode will contact the vestry for further action if payroll and expenses cannot be met for two pay periods. The Finance Committee is being asked to develop a working or asking budget for the year 2004.
Stewardship Report – Jim Shoemaker A booklet is being prepared to send to parishioners giving statistical information about the cost of the ministries and work of St. John’s. It costs approximately $36,000 to $40,000 per month to …
[The surviving copy of these minutes ends here, mid-sentence. The rest has not been found.]