The regular meeting of the Vestry was held on May 4, 2004, Reverend Donna-Mae Siderius presiding. Thirteen members were present, plus David Copley and Connie Heath. The meeting was opened with prayer by Donna-Mae. Devotions were provided by Greg Brauer.
The program for the night was a presentation by Sandy Smith on the Diocese’s Annual Giving Workshop she and Bill Boyer attended on May 1 at Hickory Neck Church.
Donna-Mae Siderius, Frank Edgar, Sr., Jim Shoemaker, and Sandy Smith will form a Steering Committee to begin planning for this year’s Stewardship Campaign.
Connie Heath, Treasurer, reported the checking account balance as of May 4 is $19,675.27. The Easter offering was approximately $2500.
Sandy Smith was appointed to the Finance Committee to replace Bill Rhode, whose term expired.
Based on a request from Bishop Bane to consider increasing our pledge to the Diocese, and with the recommendation of the Finance Committee, the Vestry voted to send the Diocese an additional $2000 by the end of December, payable in four installments.
The following Vestry officers were elected by acclimation: Linda Curtis – Senior Warden; Frank Edgar, Sr. – Junior Warden and Sandy Smith – Registrar. Connie Heath will continue as Treasurer.
Frank Edgar, Sr. and Bob Harper will represent St. John’s on Hampton’s Downtown Planning Group.
A special thanks was given to Bill Terrill for all his hard work as Junior Warden, caring for our property and working on the parish renovation project. Even though he is no longer on the Vestry, Bill will continue to work with the contractors, W.M. Jordan
The Vestry received an update on the parish hall renovations. Bids are expected on the kitchen equipment. The kitchen floor will be replaced and the kitchen walls will be reinforced. The architect and the contractor are working together on the electrical issues.
A $500 donation was received from a former member of St. John’s to be used for whatever we would like. A similar donation was received last year and was used to purchase new tables for the parish hall. It was suggested that we buy some new chairs to go with the tables.
Donna-Mae Siderius reported on the Journey to Adulthood (J2A) Urban Adventure in Washington, D.C. the first weekend in May. Donna-Mae, Sandy Hay, Bill Rhode, and Jessie Robison chaperoned eight J2A young adults. The adventure was very successful.
The 2003 Parochial Report was distributed for review, discussion and signature. This is a report of St. John’s membership, attendance, and services conducted, plus a record of our financial information. There are more individuals/families leaving by death or transfer than are coming into the parish by baptism or transfer. Our average Sunday attendance is about 185 persons.
Plans are being made for a Wednesday evening program, beginning in October. There will be an opportunity for parishioners to participate in three programs (1) parenting and spiritual development of children, (2) connecting the work week with our journey in faith and (3) issues of aging. Different groups within the parish will serve dinner.
Donna-Mae Siderius will attend the annual Clergy Renewal Education Discernment Opportunity (CREDO) conference the week of May 17. Donna-Mae is one of 100 clergy who serve on the CREDO faculty, which is part of the National Church. Clergy come to the conference to work on their spiritual, financial and health issues.
The Vestry voted to allow staff at St. John’s to be off on Fridays during July and August.
David Copley provided the assistant rectors’ report. This was his and Susan’s first Easter at St. John’s and they very much enjoyed their participation in all the services and other events, such as the downtown churches’ Walk with the Cross. David also participated with our youth in the delivery of Easter baskets to our shut-ins, which were much appreciated by those who received them. There will be a meeting with all greeters later in May to re-assess where we are, where we are going and to begin long term planning.
The Vestry voted to create a Mission Exploration Committee, under the Outreach Commission, to begin planning for mission outside of the Hampton Roads area in 2005.
Elizabeth Phillips, chairperson, reported on the committee that was established to formulate policy and procedure for the care and use of our building. The Committee met once to define goals and objectives. A second meeting will be held on May 11 to begin to establish policy and procedure for usage as well as to address the janitorial needs of the parish.
Donna-Mae asked David Copley, William Andrews, and Sandy Smith to evaluate the creation of congregational “Care Teams”.
The Tacky Light Award was passed from Greg Brauer to Denine Miller.
Sandy Smith, Registrar