The regular meeting of the vestry of St. John’s Church, Elizabeth City Parish, Hampton, VA was held on March 14, 2000. The Rev. Richard L. Vinson called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM and the registrar was present.
Those present were Billie Einselen, Frank Edgar, Connie Heath, Leo Vaisvil, Marian Blount, Vestal Lewis, Richard Hayes, Dan Clark, Keith Hatch, Lew Vermillion, Jane Heiby, Letia Drewry, Nancy Adams, and Ann Ward, Assistant Treasurer.
Absent were Rick Harman and Warren Spratley, Treasurer.
Rick Vinson gave the devotions.
Review of Minutes and Agenda: The minutes of February 8, 2000 were corrected and approved. The agenda was reviewed.
Registrar’s Report: No report.
Wardens’ Report: Senior Warden Letia Drewry handed out two books, “Personnel Reports for Congregations”, which will be useful in writing job descriptions, and ”How to Mobilize Church Volunteers”. She also had an article on outreach.
Junior Warden Lew Vermillion reported all the classroom doors have had windows installed. A new icemaker has been purchased and the microwave oven has died. Jane Heiby donated a microwave oven to the Church. The parish house clock has been fixed and the paint removed. Hoffman House needs some repainting and the gate needs to be fixed.
Search Committee: The Search Committee is still working on the type of Church meeting and questionnaire for gathering information. Their goal for deciding is May
Interim’s Report: The communion silver that had been loaned to Jamestown and Colonial Williamsburg will be returned March 15.
The 2010 Committee is working on capital improvements and having architectural drawings of the parish house made. They are also obtaining the cost of a specific landscaping plan for the grounds. In June they will have proposals for the Vestry.
Treasurer’s Report: The bank balance as of March 13, 2000 was $48,371.55. The Income and Expense Statement for the month ending February 2000 and the Special Accounts Report were handed out. Ann Ward handed out the Special Accounts in a new format and an Income and Expense report for Hoffinan House.
Other Business: Rick Vinson reported the original intent for the Nickerson Fund was charitable purposes, hoping to benefit youth, but not restricted to youth. Vestal Lewis, Outreach Commission, said youth have benefited in every organization that received money from the Nickerson Fund, and the Outreach Commission is always open for suggestions of needy organizations. Vestal requested guidelines to help the Outreach Commission in its granting process. After much discussion, in a straw poll, it was moved that money from the Nickerson Fund be directed to youth services only. The motion was seconded and approved. A motion was made to accept the Outreach Commission recommended disbursements for the Budget Year 2000. The motion was seconded and passed.
In 1995 Robert Claiborne sketched two possible plans for ramps into the parish house. Frank Edgar said a parish member would donate $1,000 toward the construction and Rick Vinson said two other members would donate $500. It was moved and seconded that an architect be commissioned to draw up specific plans and costs for a handicap ramp. The motion passed.
The Commission System at St. John’s and other models were discussed. The Vestry was instructed to continue to think about changing the commission system.
An exploratory class on Christian care giving and pastoral care will be given in the fall.
Good of the Order: Wednesday Lenten Suppers and Program will start on March 15. Bishop’s Day is on April 15, not April 8. The Bishop will be at St. John’s on April 9 for visitation and confirmation. Frank Edgar proposed that the tax exemption on sales tax not be used to help pay for some of the city services used. This was referred to the Finance Commission.
The concluding devotion was given.
Nancy Adams, Registrar