The regular monthly meeting of the Vestry of St. John’s Church, Elizabeth City Parish, was held October 10, 2006. The Very Reverend Donna-Mae Siderius presided. Vestry members present were Bettyrene Pope, Junior Warden, Charlie Edmonson, Bob Wind, Whit McKinney, Bill Forinash, Scott Curtis, Nelson Durden, Greg Brauer, Connie Heath, Treasurer, Kay Olson, Registrar, Sanford Pankin, and Bob Harper, Senior Warden. Members Absent were Charles Zimmerman and John Chiasson. Clergy present were the Very Reverend Donna-Mae Siderius and the Reverend James “Skip” Hutton. Visitors present were Betsy Clark, Terrey McKinney, and Les Ferguson.
The Very Reverend Donna-Mae Siderius opened the meeting at 7 o’clock PM with prayer and introduces our guests Betsy Clark, Chairperson of the Stewardship Committee and Terrey McKinney, Chairperson of the Finance Committee.
Charlie Edmonson gave the devotions and provided refreshments.
Discussion was held after the Donna-Mae asked the question “What has touched you and how has God worked through that experience?”
Vestry Business
Betsy Clark, Chairperson of the Stewardship Committee said Vestry can help the Stewardship Committee during this campaign by wearing a “Stewardship Button”, be a visible presence to the parishioners and be clear about what it is the Vestry and the Committee are trying to do during the Stewardship Campaign. Betsy Clark is very enthusiastic about all the Stewardship Committee is going to be doing this fall to keep the parishioners informed about the monetary needs of the parish.
Terrey McKinney. Chairperson of the Finance Committee told the vestry St. John’s parish needs a growth budget (faith budget). Copy attached. The General Fund is the platform, and everything else will come from that platform. Many items have remained the same as was in the 2006 budget. New items in this draft include salary for a Youth Minister, repayment of the Line of Credit held by the Old Point national Bank and salary increases for the staff. Mrs. McKinney reminded the vestry that St. John’s is very rich with funds, but those funds are designated for other uses, not the general operating of the everyday running to the parish. The vestry was presented with the Draft for the Operating Budget -General Fund-FY2007. This budget will carry an approximate 5% deficient, which is standard for most churches. Copy attached.
Whit McKinney made the motion to accept the proposed budget FY 2007 with one addition. Nelson Durden seconded, the motion carried with one member abstaining.
Action Taken Vestry voted to accept the proposed budget FY2007 with one member abstaining.
Charlie Edmonson complimented the Stewardship Committee and the Finance Committee for their enthusiasm, commitment and efforts.
Minutes of the October meeting were approved.
Treasurers Report
Connie Heath, treasurer, reported a Balance of $4,864.70 in the account as of October 10, 2006. Pledge receipts are still lower than should be for this time of the year; fourth quarter should show 75% but is at 61.23%. Mrs. Heath reported she has received the Auditors report and has some extra copies for Vestry members.
Action Taken the Treasurers report was received by the Vestry.
Junior Wardens Report
Bettyrene Pope, Junior Warden reported on the following:
- Hoffman House gutter has been cleaned
- Jack Pope, John Chiasson, and David Copley hooked up the new coffee brewer, which was donated by Kay and Swede Olson in memory of Kay’s Mother.
- Ova Soft signed their new lease for office space in the Hoffman House for the upcoming year.
- Hudson & associates are having their lawyer review the new lease for office space in the Hoffman House prior to signing, but did pay the new rate for rent for the month.
Senior Wardens Report
Bob Harper, Senior Warden reported John Chiasson has been volunteering at H.E.L.P. to do some repairs the building sustained during the tropical storm early in September. Anyone wishing to help them can contact Bob.
Good of the Order
There may be times when the vestry starts to get mired down during meetings with finances or other details, if this happens Reverend Hutton may interrupt the meeting to get us back on track.
The Reverend Susan Copley will be on call October 19, 20, and 21 while Donna-Mae is out of town and also October 22 through 30 when Donna-Mae and Harper will be attending CREDO.
Kudos
Thanks to Bettyrene Pope and Whit McKinney for driving October 7 for Special Convention (nerves of steel for driving in all that rain). Thanks to Kate Terrill for years of service as a member of the Altar Guild. Thanks to Debbie Williams her service to the St. Paul’s breakfast team from St. John’s.
The Vestry Tacky Light was given by Bob Wind to Connie Heath and the Mission Tacky Light was given to Scott Curtis by Bettyrene Pope.
Skip thanked the vestry and parishioners for welcoming him to our parish; he is delighted to have been asked to come as the associate rector.
Kay Olson
Registrar