The Vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Elizabeth City Parish, Hampton, Virginia, met on September 14, 2010. The meeting was called to order by Reverend Donna-Mae Siderius at 6:35 pm. Vestry members present were Bob Harper, Senior Warden, Bettyrene Pope, Junior Warden, Kay Olson, registrar, Ruth Simmons, Bill Rhode, Parkie Rice, Dave Foster, Jay Hogg, Sukey Stephens, Kevin Van Sloten, Peggy Hayes, John Chiasson and Eddie Clark, Youth Representative. Also present were Connie Heath, Treasurer, the Reverend Bob Gay and the Reverend Anna Noon.
Parkie Rice gave the devotion and provided refreshments. The devotion was the “Good Samaritan” story.
Visioning Work Groups
Parishioners have been suggested to the Visioning Work Groups. Each group will have a diverse mix of people. The work of the visioning work groups is vitally important work as we consider moving into the next phase of ministry at St. John‘s. Some discussion within the work groups should be how the Visioning Committee came up with the Mission Statement, how we have gotten this far, what is the overall goal and how will we reach that goal. The individual work groups will not meet until after the September 28th meeting with Visioning Committee facilitator, the Rev. Larry Crowell.
Stewardship Committee Report
Ruth Simmons, Co-Chairperson of Stewardship reported the focus of this year’s campaign will be to “Build Community” with the theme of, “How Firm a Foundation”. The Stewardship campaign will include inviting parishioners to chose a values work group meeting to attend in October. Vestry leaders of the work groups were asked to submit a date for their meeting in October that would be open to members of the parish at large.
Senior Warden’s Report
Bob Harper reported the Youth represented St. John’s very well during Bay Days and had a successful day.
Junior Warden’s Report
Bettyrene Pope has made sure flood lights are working around the church yard. A new tenant has moved into the Hoffman House… Harper Photography, owned by our own Senior Warden, Bob Harper.
Assistant Rector’s Report
Anna Noon reported the youth had a very successful Bay Days fund raiser making over $400.00. The youth handed out flyers and around 100 people toured the church building. Sunday, September 19 is the Kick-Off Sunday for Christian Formation.
Rectors’ Report
Donna-Mae Siderius received a request from H.E.L.P. Inc., who has entered into a partnership with the City of Hampton’s Emergency Management Department, for St. John’s to offer shelter during extreme weather events to citizens at risk of exposure. H.E.L.P. is requesting that St. John’s consider extending their current partnership with H.E.L.P. to include an extreme weather site for the winter months. St. John’s provided shelter in the extreme heat last summer through this program. H.E.L.P. personnel and the City of Hampton Department of Human Services personnel would staff the site.
Bob Harper made a motion seconded by Dave Foster to open our doors in case of an extreme weather event. The Motion Passed.
Action Taken: Bob Harper made a motion, seconded by Dave Foster, to open our doors in case of an extreme weather event. The Motion Passed.
A request was made that vestry approval of a motion to the Mary Williams Trust for the funding of Architectural/Engineering services of Q. Design be included in these minutes.
Larry Cumming, an attorney, is reviewing the contract with Q. Design for Architectural/Engineering services for the church renovation.
Bob Harper made a motion to endorse the terms of the St. John’s Endowment Fund, Inc. applicable provisions. The motion was seconded. The motion carried.
Action Taken: Bob Harper made a motion to endorse the terms of the St. John’s Endowment Fund, Inc. applicable provisions. The motion was seconded. The motion carried.
Fall kick-Off Sunday is Sunday the 19th of September. Vestry members are encouraged to contact their Care Groups to invite them to the breakfast and services.
Minutes of the August meeting were approved.
Minutes of the Special Called Meeting were approved as amended.
The Financial report was approved as printed.
Kevin Van Sloten spoke on funds for a generator that may be available for public buildings. He will have more information at the next meeting.
St. John’s has received grants for the revitalization of the Hoffman House including $2,700.00 from the City and $5,000.00 from DHDP.
Special Thanks to Bettyrene and Jack Pope and John Chiasson for all they have done for the renovation of the Hoffman House.
No Tacky lights were exchanged this month.
Kay Olson, registrar