Vestry Meeting August 13, 2013
Charles Edmonson, Senior Warden called the vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Elizabeth City Parish, to order at 6:35 pm on August 13, 2013, members present were Dan Clark, Junior Warden, Linda Curtis, Treasurer, Kay Olson, Registrar, George Cornwell, Vestal Lewis, Carrie Quinn, Brian McMahon, Sylvia Edgar, Kevin Eley and Bill Brown. Clergy present The Rev. Peter Hogg. Thomas Templeman, Youth Representative was absent.
Dan Clark began the meeting with prayer and reflections, Dan also furnished refreshments for the meeting.
Minutes of the July meeting were approved with 2 corrections. Vestal Lewis making the motion to approve.
Dan Clark made the motion to approve the minutes of the 2 special meetings held on July 22nd and 23rd respectively. Motion was approved.
Dan Clark made the motion to approve the minutes of the special meeting held on August 4, 2013. Motion carried.
Financial Report: Karen Burknet has been hired as Bookkeeper, her firm is familiar with the ACS software program the church computers are now in the process of utilizing.
Junior Warden Report: Dan Clark’s report is attached to these minutes. In answer to questions about the copper downspouts Dan reports that the spouts will have bolts that require special tools for removal and should be safe from vandalism. Dan also reported the disabled person ramp will be stored behind the pews at the west door.
Stewardship: Linda McMahon and Nancy Adams will be the Stewardship co-chairpersons for the coming year. They are both impressed with the resource material available to the Stewardship committee provided by the diocese.
Rectors Report: Peter met with the personnel committee to help with getting a start for the search for a new office administrator. Peter reported on his ministry at St. John’s and procedures that will take place when he vacates the position as interim minister.
Christian Formation Report: A copy of Shannon Olson’s report is attached to these minutes.
Alternate Delegates voted into the rotation for Diocese of Southern Virginia Annual Convention are Vestal Lewis, Linda McMahon, and Betsy Clark.
Dan Clark made a motion, seconded by Bill Brown to make the Heritage Working Group a working committee of the vestry of St. John’s. Motion passed.
George Cornwell made a motion, seconded by Bill Brown to continue the one service on Sunday morning at 9 am until September 15, when we will return to the 8 am and 10:30 am services. Motion passed.
Vestal Lewis gave a report from the Outreach Committee on an event to take place October 3rd in Mill Point Park where we would be able to make money for the committee. Vestry felt more information is needed and has set up a meeting with Nick Heavens to fill us in on the details. (After meeting with Nick on Sunday August 18, the vestry voted by e-mail to go ahead with the plans for this function.)
A Farewell brunch for Peter and Toni will take place on August 25th a purse will be taken from the congregation for a gift. The vestry will give Peter a basket from the members. There are plans for the choir to do a musical tribute to Peter and Toni. Other groups and individuals also plan to honor him with gifts.
A motion was made to offer Shannon Olson, Interim Christian Formation Coordinator, a contract to continue in that position until the end of the church year; with the approval of Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander. Motion passed with one abstention. (Vestry members I do not have who made motion and seconded please reply so I can add to minutes before the meeting).
The Letter of Agreement between St. John’s Episcopal Church and the Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander was reviewed. Reverend Vincent-Alexander’s benefits will begin on October 1, 2013. The total compensation package will be $97,814.00. With a review to be made after 6 months of employment.
Bill Brown made a motion to accept Samantha’s letter of agreement.
The Vestry of St. John’s voted to call The Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander to be the 47th Rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Elizabeth City County, Hampton, Virginia.
A Letter informing the congregation of this action will be mailed out by the end of next week. The Reverend will begin her work on October 9, 2013 and will preach her first sermon on October 13, 2013 with a reception of welcome to follow the 10:30 service.
The vestry sends Kudos to the Wardens who have worked very hard and diligently in the calling of our new rector.
Submitted by
Kay Olson, Registrar