Charlie Edmonson called the meeting of the Vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Elizabeth City Parish, to order at 6:05 p.m. Present were Charlie Edmonson-Senior Warden, John Chiasson-Junior Warden, Brian McMahon-Registrar, Connie Heath-Treasurer, Sylvia Edgar, David Foster, Bob Harper, Kay Olson, Carrie Quinn, Mark Stephens, and Sandy Smith. Clergy present were The Rev. Dr “Peter” Hogg-Interim Rector and the Rev. Terry Edwards-Deacon. Absent were Bill Brown, Ian Edgar-Youth Representative, and the Rev. Anna Noon-Assistant Rector. The Vestry welcomed Deacon Edwards to her first Vestry meeting.
CHECK IN AND PRAYERS
John Chiasson led the Vestry in prayer. The Vestry checked-in and offered prayers and intercessions for friends and family.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The July 17, 2012 Vestry minutes were approved with one correction. The last two sentences under New Business were deleted. Due to the Registrar’s computer problems, there were no minutes from the special Vestry called meeting of July 24 to review.
VESTRY COMMITTEE REPORTS
Finance
Bob Harper gave the monthly financial report and provided a brief overview of the July 31, 2012 Income and Expense Statement. A late contribution to the Reconnect, Recommit and Renew (R, R, and R) Campaign was received for a total receipt of $32,396.00 to date. Bob noted the Diocesan pledge contribution for July was reduced. St. John’s ended July 2012 with a surplus of $248.81 and an overall surplus to date of $1,556.16. See Attachments 1 and 2.
Bob reported specific information on where we stand with pledges (budgeted versus received) will be routinely communicated to the parish. Based on budgeted pledges through July 31 and what has been received, we are about $9,000 short.
Bob stated he is forming a Budget Committee as part of the Finance Committee to seek out and determine accurate budget needs from staff and various groups within the parish. One Vestry member questioned the need for a separate Budget Committee. The Finance Committee will discuss the need for a Personnel Committee as requested by the Rev. Hogg at the last Vestry meeting and address with the Vestry at a future meeting.
Search
The Rev. Dr. “Peter” Hogg reported the Search Committee continues to work on the draft of the Parish Profile. Charlie Edmonson reported the sub group of Vestry members he convened to determine a salary package for the new rector met once and will need to meet again. Charlie plans to speak with Doug Miller to determine a due date for this information.
Stewardship
The Rev. Dr. “Peter” Hogg reported that under the leadership of Dan Clark and Ruth Simmons, the Committee reached out to individuals in the parish to participate in the Grateful, Glad and Giving Campaign.
Renovation
The first of two congregational meetings to review the recent Vestry approved Phase Two renovation project was scheduled immediately following the August Vestry meeting and Vestry members were encouraged to attend. The next meeting is between the two services on Sunday, August 26.
POST RETREAT WORKING GROUPS REPORTS
Norms – No report
Listening – Carrie Quinn volunteered to summarize the listening sessions and the actions to date for inclusion in a future E-Pistle.
R, R, and R – Update was provided as part of the Finance Committee report.
WARDENS AND CLERGY REPORTS
Senior Warden
Charlie Edmonson read a Thank You note from Pat Darby regarding the care and concern offered her family after the death of her husband Ted Darby. He also read a Thank You note from Rev. Richard Bridgeford for a contribution received for Norfolk Urban Outreach Ministry. Charlie reminded Vestry of Bishop’s Day for Parish Leaders on October 27 in Virginia Beach (See Attachment 3). A schedule of workshops will be sent later so we can choose which to attend and hopefully have most covered. Charlie reported the Mary Williams Trust and the St. John’s Endowment, Inc agreed to provide funding for the principal and interest of a loan which must be secured to move forward with the approved Phase Two renovations.
Junior Warden
John Chiasson reported on routine maintenance.
Interim Rector’s Report
Rev. Dr. “Peter” Hogg reported Jenn Devlin’s last day as Parish Administrator (PA) is August 24, 2012. Staff and volunteers are taking her to lunch on September 13. Rev. Hogg expressed appreciation for Ms. Devlin’s time as PA, noting she will continue with her other ministries at St. John’s. Bettyrene Pope agreed to increase her hours to maintain the same level of coverage provided by her and Jenn. Volunteers continue to assist on a daily basis. Rev. Hogg stated he would like to form an Elder Committee, comprised of current and former Senior Wardens. There was some discussion regarding the intent of this committee and more information will be presented at the next Vestry meeting.
Deacon’s Report
Rev. Terry Edward [sic] reported she is close to finishing the last piece of her ordination process and is looking forward to devoting more time to St. John’s. Her ordination to the priesthood is scheduled for December 15, 2012 at Christ and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Norfolk.
ACTION GROUP REPORTS
Worship
The Rev. Dr. “Peter” Hogg reported the Worship Committee embraced the re-creation of the former Children’s Chapel concept beginning on September 23 and continuing through mid November, at which time it will be evaluated and a decision made to continue or not. A clergy person and two “shepherds” per Sunday (in the process of recruitment) will lead the children from church after the opening hymn to the stage in the parish hall where they will engage in storytelling, prayer, “confession” and light activities. Rev. Hogg also reported there will be two new worship opportunities, one in October and one in November, in which parishioners will experience both Morning Prayer and Eucharist.
Christ Centered – No report
Outreach
Rev. Hogg reported 90-130 individuals were served lunch on each Wednesday during the summer lunch program and that Jo-Ann Mahoney and her volunteers did an excellent job. The deadline for providing book bags and/or school supplies is Wednesday, August 22. St. John’s is cooperating with other churches and is not the lead. Distribution is scheduled for Saturday, August 26. The room sponsored by St. John’s in the new HELP women’s center is finished.
Inreach
Carrie Quinn reported the Virginia Wine and Cheese Social is scheduled for Friday, August 24 from 5:30-7:00 pm. Danny McFarland will play the piano. The next sponsored event is the Kick Off Breakfast for Christian Education on Sunday, September 16. A Halloween event is planned for October 28; more information to come later.
NEW BUSINESS
The Rev. Dr. “Peter” Hogg discussed the preferred selection process for delegates and alternates to Annual Council, which will be in February 2013 in Williamsburg. Alternates should eventually move up to delegates. Currently, Bill Brown and David Foster are delegates, and Randy Devlin and Ruth Simmons are alternates. We need four alternates in order to make the process work. Rev. Hogg requested other nominations from the parish.
CLOSING PRAYERS
John Chiasson offered closing prayers.
Charlie Edmonson adjourned the meeting at 6:55 pm.
Sandy Smith for Brian McMahon- Registrar
Attachments
- 1- July Income and Expense Statement
- 2- July Special Accounts Report
- 3- Bishop’s Day for Parish Leaders
Junior Warden’s Report August 21, 2012
2 calls to ET Lawson. 1 call to Advanced Electric. 2 leaks on the stage.