The regular monthly meeting of the Vestry of St. John’s Church, Elizabeth City Parish, was held September 12, 2006. The Very Reverend Donna-Mae Siderius presided, opening the meeting with prayer. Vestry Members present were Greg Brauer, Nelson Durden, Bill Forinash, Bob Harper, Senior Warden, Kay Olson, Registrar, Ben Ferris, Connie Heath, Treasurer, Bettyrene Pope, Junior Warden, Bob Wind, John Chiasson, Scott Curtis, Whit McKinney, Sanford Pankin, Charles Zimmerman and Charles Edmonson. Clergy present were The Very Reverend Donna-Mae Siderius and The Reverend James “Skip” Hutton.
The Very Reverend Donna-Mae Siderius introduced The Reverend James “Skip” Hutton. Skip has been hired as associate rector. He will be at St. John’s on Tuesday afternoons and evenings and on Sundays. Skip will be leading the Adult Forum, Sundays, October 1 thru November 12, 2006. He will also be planning a program to be held on Tuesdays, beginning after the first of the year looking back at some of the history of St. John’s.
Bob Harper gave the devotions and furnished refreshments for the meeting.
The Summer Neighborhood lunch program fed approximately 78 people each week during the summer. Reverend Siderius reminded the vestry that this was a very real ministry offered by the members of the parish.
Committee Reports
Treasurer’s Report
Connie Heath, Treasurer reported a balance of $8, 025.15 in the General Funds Account. The pledge figures are at 55.48% and that figure should be at 66%. Pledge offerings usually fall behind in the summer and should get back to the expected figures this month when parishioners return to the fall routine.
Finance Committee
Discussion was held pertaining to the priorities for the 2007 budget. The Very Reverend Siderius asked the Vestry what is seen as Ministry Priorities, Funding Priorities, and what unique opportunities are foreseen for the next three years. She reminded the vestry to DREAM BIG in this category The Finance Committee will be given a list of the priorities the vestry has suggested.
Setting Priorities for the 2007 budget
St. John’s Ministry of Money
What are the roles of the Vestry, Finance Committee, and Stewardship Committee?
Role of the Vestry
- Establish priorities for annual operating budget
- Approve the annual operating budget
- Maintain fiduciary oversight
Role of the Finance Committee
- Initiate and support the development of the annual operating budget
- Regularly review the financial status of the parish and advising vestry of concerns
Role of Stewardship
- Develop and implement a stewardship program which includes a campaign for annual giving
Changes for the year 2007
- Reduction in clergy
- Two more years of loan payments
- Do not have $50,00.00 gift
- Staff changes – part-time clergy – Youth Minister
- Increased mission emphasis
Funding Priorities
- Staff Salaries – COLA 4%
- Funding for a Youth Minister
- A realistic budget for maintenance
- A budget for advertising
- Line of Credit interest payments
Ministry Priorities
- 1 Youth
- 2 Outreach/Mission Focus, Local Community (Special Funding)
- 3 Worship services
- 4 Staff Continuing Education
Year 1006 Budget
- Staff salaries and benefits
- Church operations including utilities (General expenses)
- Program/Ministries
- Diocesan Pledge
Gaps in 2006 Budget
- Line of Credit (interest payments)
- Maintenance budget
- No advertising/marketing budget
Senior Warden’s Report
H.E.L.P. asked for assistance on their Rip Rap Road site to help with removal of water damaged carpet created by the Tropical Storm Ernesto.
Junior Warden’s Report
Repairs have been made to pews and a leaky faucet in the church building.
A donation of several dump-truck loads of gravel was made by the Disabled Veterans Thrift Shop located on Warwick Blvd. for the extended driveway and parking spots next to the parish house.
Rector’s Report
- Kick-off Sunday is September 17, The Reverend James “Skip” Hutton, new associate rector and Les Ferguson, Ordination Exploration Aspirant, will be introduced. The plaque honoring Mr. and Mrs. Williams will be unveiled at the breakfast.
- The Personal Stewardship Forms have been sent to the parishioners.
- The first Focus on Leadership meeting will be held on September 19 in the parish house, with other meetings to follow every quarter.
- A 2010 Parish Meeting is planned for Sunday September 24 between the services and for Tuesday September 26.
Good of the Order
Kudos
Thanks go the Terrey McKinney and the employees of the DAV Thrift shop for the gravel, Vestal Lewis, for handling a delicate situation while on usher duty, Callye Bowling the Girl Scout who redecorated the Toddlers Room, to Susan Copley and Harper Lewis for all their work at Bay Days.
Bay Days
The youth and the mission committee made a total of $3,500.00 at Bay Days this year. It is hoped we will have a Bay Days Committee next year with more groups participating.
Nickerson Fund (Outreach committees)
The Mission Committee requested to be on or have some say in the distribution of monies from the Nickerson Fund. Charles Zimmerman said it is not a good idea for the recipients of a fund to hold the purse strings of said fund. Vestal Lewis will be the chairman of the Nickerson Fund.
Ben Ferris offered his resignation as a Vestry member due to a work move to Northern Virginia.
Tacky Lights were given to Bob Wind by John Chiasson and to Bettyrene Pope by Kay Olson.
Charles Edmonson has devotions and refreshments for The October meeting.
Kay Olson, Registrar