The Vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Elizabeth City Parish, Hampton, Virginia, met on October 12, 2010. Bob Harper provided refreshments for the meeting. 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, Jay Hogg, Sukey Stephens, Peggy Hayes and John Chiasson Also present were Connie Heath, Treasurer, the Reverend Bob Gay and the Reverend Anna Noon. Absent were Dave Foster, Kevin Van Sloten and Eddie Clark.
The meeting opened with prayer. The Reverend Siderius began the Formation part of the program with reminders of those with pastoral concerns and asked for prayer in their lives.
Donna-Mae led the vestry in excerpts from the first chapter of the book “Leading Change in the Congregation” by Gilbert R Rendle. Where will the Church be 5 years from now? What changes will leaders of congregations be facing in the near future. The vestry decided it would like to use this book in the formation part of the vestry meetings in the next months.
The work groups that have grown out of the visioning process have been meeting and report much progress is being made at their meetings.
Stewardship Committee Report
Ruth Simmons, Co-Chairperson of Stewardship reported letters to the congregation will be mailed this week asking for those interested to attend one of the Visioning Group meetings.
Senior Warden’s Report
Bob Harper had no report this month.
Junior Warden’s Report
Bettyrene Pope reported regular maintenance items have been attended to including the changing of light bulbs and changing some outside light fixtures. Anna Noon, our assistant rector is having her office revamped. A wall was repainted. Her outside door was turned to swing to the right by John and Jack. John has covered the vent area of the door to assure more privacy. New carpet is scheduled to be installed next Tuesday.
Hoffman House report: The men’s bathroom upstairs has been renovated with newly painted walls, new commode, pedestal sink, mirror, and vinyl flooring. New mailboxes were installed for the downstairs tenants, Bob and Bob.
Renovation Committee Report: The renovation committee met on September 23rd with nine members present. Warranty work and repairs to the slate roof will possibly be done during the month of October. Interior work to the attic will begin as soon as the hot weather subsides. A proposal from Q Design PLC – Architects for the renovation project is being reviewed by attorneys and will be signed in the next few weeks. A discussion followed about researching financial resources for funding the entire renovation. This is in addition to the gift of the Mary Williams Trust money given each year.
A suggestion was made that vestry consider selecting a committee to further investigate additional fund raising means to help finance the Renovation.
The Next meeting will be on Wednesday October 27, 2010 at 5pm.
Submitted by Bettyrene Pope.
Deacon’s Report: Bob Gay will be with the Bishop on Sunday October 17.
Assistant Rector’s Report
Anna Noon reported she is looking for more adult leaders for Christian Formation. Anna will be ordained as priest on December 18, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. in Christ and St. Luke’s Church, Norfolk.
Bob Harper made the motion that the vestry approve Anna Noon to be Certified for Ordination to the Sacred Order of Priesthood. The motion was seconded and approved.
Action taken: Bob Harper made the motion that the vestry approve Anna Noon to be certified for ordination to the Sacred Order of Priesthood. The motion was seconded and approved.
Rector’s Report: Donna-Mae Siderius reported Peg Buelow of St. Mark’s is on sabbatical leave and in her absence she and our clergy staff are on call on for emergency situations. St. Marks was to host the Thanksgiving service on November 24, but St. John’s has agreed to host the service this year.
Choral Evensong will be held October 31 at 5:00 p.m.. The service will include a remembrance of members of St. John’s who died in the past year.
Donna-Mae will be conducting a CREDO conference the week of October 18 through October 24.
Minutes of the September meeting were approved.
The Financial report was approved as printed.
Tacky lights were exchanged. Jay Hogg presented the Dr. Chuck light to Bill Rhode and Anna Noon presented the Mission light to Ruth Simmons.
The meeting was closed with the Order of Compline led by Bob Gay.
Kay Olson, registrar