Bob Harper called the September meeting of the Vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church Elizabeth City Parish to order at 6:30pm. Present were Bob Harper – Senior Warden, Bettyrene Pope – Junior Warden, Connie Heath – Treasurer, Brian McMahon – Registrar, John Chiasson, Dave Foster, Peggy Hayes, Jay Hogg, Erin Pfeil, Bill Rhode, and Rachel Pankin – Youth Representative. Staff members present were The Rev. Anna Noon and The Rev. Bob Gay. Absent were Bill Brown and Mark Stephens. Guests in attendance were The Rev. Charlie Johnson – the transition officer from the Diocese of Southern Virginia, and The Rev. Paul (“Peter”) Hogg1 – prospective interim rector, and his wife Toni Hogg.
1 No direct relation to Jay Hogg.
Thank you to Erin Pfeil for snacks.
Bob Harper introduced The Rev. Peter Hogg and his wife Toni Hogg. Mrs. Toni Hogg left after introductions.
Anna Noon lead the Vestry in opening prayer.
Bob Harper moved the meeting go into executive session, Dave Foster seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
[The discussion in executive session is not published.] Jay Hogg moved we exit executive session, David Foster seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Peggy Hayes moved we call The Rev. Peter Hogg to be St. John’s interim minister, Bill Rhode seconded. The Vestry discussed the lessons learned from previous interim rectors and the changes the Dioceses of Southern Virginia has made over the years in vetting interim rectors and rectors. The motion passed unanimously.
The Rev. Charlie Johnson explained the expectations of the Vestry, and considerations and processes of the search committee for a new rector. He provided Bob Harper handouts for the Vestry titled “Developmental Tasks in the Interim Church”. He left after his discussion. Bob Harper proposed that a special vestry meeting be set for 27 September to discuss the search committee. The Vestry agreed.
The August minutes were presented to the Vestry. Bettyrene Pope moved they be accepted, Jay Hogg seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
The financial reports were presented to the Vestry. The question of the heating budget that was to be answered by Bill Boyer was tabled till next regular meeting of the Vestry due to the inability of Bill to make this evenings meeting. Dave Foster moved they be accepted, Erin Pfeil seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
Bettyrene Pope presented the Junior Wardens written report to the Vestry. John Chiasson added his concern regarding Parishioners bringing in enormous quantities of condiments that get shelved and never used.
Bob Harper reminded the Vestry about the upcoming renovation presentations on Wednesday the 14th at 7pm, Saturday the 17th at 9:30am, and Sunday the 25th following the 10: 30am service. He requested all Vestry members be present at all events. He said the Quinns will have a presentation and he will make some remarks as well.
There were no reports from the clergy.
The Rev. Bob Gay presented the Outreach Action Group Initial Plan of Action and Milestones. No other Visioning Action Group reports were presented.
Bob Harper made a verbal report of the transition status for the interim organist.
Bob Harper opened discussions to review hurricane actions. There is a need for the Vestry to help the Parish staff keep the list current. Procedures will be developed to coordinate with the American Red Cross for use of the Parish kitchen if power is available.
The Vestry was encouraged to attend one of the two upcoming Bishop Days for Parish Leadership.
Good of the order. Bob Harper presented the St. John’s Certificate of Lay Delegates and Alternates to the Diocese of Southern Virginia Diocesan Council to the Registrar, Brian McMahon, as a matter of record. These delegates are Bettyrene Pope, George Cornwell, Ruth Simmons, and Randy Devlin. Alternates are Bill Brown and Dave Foster. Their term is from July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012. He also passed out the handouts The Rev. Charlie Johnson provided earlier.
Rachel Pankin gave the Mission Tacky Light to Bob Gay. Bill Brown will retain the Dr. Chuck Tacky Light.
Meeting concluded at 9: 09pm after The Order of Compline.
Brian McMahon Registrar
5 Attachments: 1. Financial Reports for August 2011
2. Junior Warden and Renovation Committee Report for August 2011
3. Outreach Committee Workgroup Initial Plan of Action
4. Certificate of Lay Delegates and Alternates
5. Developmental Tasks in the Interim Church