The regular monthly meeting of the Vestry of St. John’s Church, Elizabeth City Parish was held on December 12, 2006, in the home of Donna-Mae and John Siderius. Vestry members present were Bob Harper, Senior Warden, Bettyrene Pope, Junior Warden, Kay Olson, Registrar, Connie Heath, Treasurer, Charlie Edmonson, Whit McKinney, Bill Forinash, Nelson Durden, Greg Brauer, Sanford Pankin, John Chiasson, Bob Wind and Scott Curtis. Charles Zimmerman was absent.
The Vestry was treated to a delicious dinner prepared by our “Gourmet Priest”. After dinner, The Very Reverend Donna-Mae Siderius opened the business meeting with devotions “An Advent Psalm” from Psalms for Sacred Seasons. Reverend Siderius also reminded the vestry that as leaders to have a vision for St. John’s, to be more understanding and more tolerant, to work toward St. John’s 400th celebration by creating a community that people will want to be a part of in the present and beyond. St. John’s has faced adversity in the past and has remained a vital part of the Episcopal community for 400 years.
Business Meeting
The November minutes were approved as corrected.
A position on the Endowment board has come open. Bettyrene Pope made a motion and Whit McKinney seconded to appoint Gwen Cumming to a five year term on the Endowment board. The motion carried. Action taken, Bettyrene Pope made a motion to appoint Gwen Cumming to the Endowment Board for a five year term, motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report Connie Heath, Treasurer reported a bank balance of $7,730. after bills and payroll. Eighty-five percent of the 2006 budget has been spent as of this date, some of the pledges for this year have not been received, it is hoped those lagging behind will get their pledges paid by the end of the year. The prepaid pledges for 2007 are not coming in as early as in years past. The treasurer’s report was received by vestry
Junior Warden’s Report Bettyrene Pope, Junior Warden reported all fixtures in the church building now have “daylight lighting”. Two new outside dusk to dawn sensor lights have been put in place – one on the church and one on the parish house outside the museum door. Vents under the parish house have been covered and repaired. The light fixture outside the kitchen door has been repaired. New carpet has been installed in the Toddler Room.
The parking lot addition has been constructed, the lot can remain gravel for up to 5 years then it must be covered with asphalt. The large evergreen tree has been trimmed. Estimates are being taken for repairs and painting to the Hoffman House.
Senior Warden’s Report Bob Harper, Senior Warden reported the turnout for the Night’s Welcome program has been great and encouraged all vestry members to drop in to see how well it is going. The Stewardship committee is in the process of calling persons who pledged in 2006, but have not turned in a pledge card for 2007. So far $390,000.00 in pledges has been received, making the goal of $500,000.00 within reach.
Rector’s Report The Very Reverend Donna-Mae Siderius reported on her responses to persons who have either sent correspondence or e-mailed concerns about the direction the Episcopal Church appears to be headed. She states St. John’s should focus on how we can use the dissension to create an environment of being a nurturing community and to create a space for all people within our doors.
A letter was received from one of the families helped during the last mission trip to the Gulf Coast.
What is to be the focus to the Annual meeting? What do we want to be remembered for? Recognize what is affecting us all, but focus on what we have done and will be doing especially Parish Connections, Mission and Outreach projects.
Tacky Light recipient was Donna-Mae Siderius The meeting was closed with some “Not-so-tacky Christmas fun.
Next meeting will be on MONDAY January 8, Scott Curtis and Chuck Zimmerman will have devotions and refreshments.
Kay Olson, Registrar