The regular meeting of the vestry of St John’s Church, Elizabeth City Parish, Hampton, Virginia was held at the parish house on May 14, 2002, Bob Harper, Senior Warden, presiding.
Vestry members present were Nelson Durden, Frank Edgar, Sr., Bob Harper; Senior Warden, Hansi Haufler, Connie Heath; Treasurer, Bill Kirkland, Linda Lashley, Bill Mace, Elizabeth Phillips, Bettyrene Pope; Registrar, Mary Ellen Sawyer, Eric Stewart, Jim Shoemaker, W. L. (Bill) Terrill, Lew Vermillion and Keith N. Adams, Rector.
Devotions were given by Bettyrene Pope.
The minutes of the April 2002 regular vestry meeting were approved as corrected.
Rector’s Report – none.
The Treasurer’s report was given by the Treasurer who distributed St. John’s Episcopal Church Income and Expense Statement as of April 30, 2002; Special Accounts report; and Hoffman House report. She stated that the bank balance was $56,664.83. No new pledges have been received. Total pledges received to date are 177 totaling $344,240.00. Bill Mace asked that the report be corrected to reflect the Diocesan Assessment as $35,000 rather than $70,000 thus the budget disbursements total would be $453,345.50.
A copy of this report is attached.
Junior Warden’s Report – Lew Vermillion reported that the air conditioner in the office was not working properly. The repairman will have to return to fix the problem. He also is checking the balcony in the church for loose boards and the benches not being bolted down.
Senior Warden’s Report – Bob Harper reported that Skip Hutton served as our priest on Sunday and was supplied by the Diocese. B. J. Taylor is serving as a consultant and resource to the church having been recommended to us by the Bishop. Bob thanked everyone for their support for him in his position and for their commitment to the vestry. It is greatly appreciated.
Old Business- Progress is continuing on the Blackiston Memorial Garden. The desire is to get a fence put up before work begins on the play area.
William J. Parker plaque – Jim Tormey designed the plaque and it has been cast. It is ready to be mounted. Some type of ceremony will be planned to present the plaque and honor Willie for his seventy- (70) years of service to St. John’s.
New Business- The Finance Committee has met and organized under the leadership of Bill Rhode. The issue of an audit or review for the year 2001 was raised. Bill Mace moved that the Vestry approve a review for the year 2001 and the first four months of 2002 to include bank reconciliations, minutes, and invoices. It was seconded and the motion passed. Cost of the review will be much less than an audit. A copy of the Finance Committee’s report is attached.
Journey to Adulthood Program – Kathy Dansey presented an overview to the vestry and outlined the benefits for the youth of the church. The program requires additional commitment of money and staff Discussion followed on how to make this program a go. Preparations need to begin now for the program to be in place for the fall. Jim Shoemaker moved that we move forward with the program leaving the Finance Committee to recommend the funding for it within the current budget and bring their recommendations back to the vestry. The motion was seconded and voted on favorably. Kathy is willing to take on this program which will increase her hours from 20 to 40 per week. This would be effective as of May 16th.
Outreach – Elizabeth Phillips reported on the Habitat for Humanity fund raiser-selling bricks. The money needs to be there by July 15th. They need $50,000 in materials. This project includes Williamsburg, Newport News, and Hampton. June 2 will be the Parish Picnic. June 9 will be Fund the Children Sunday and a HELP Pantry Collection day. Additional suggestions for raising money include a youth car wash and Grill out for Father’s Day. The vestry is agreeable to Elizabeth and her committee developing ideas to raise money for Habitat and HELP. Elizabeth also suggested that we pursue adopting an elementary school to provide supplies for needy students. She will investigate and report back.
Plaque for Sylvia Edgar – The plaque designed and made for Sylvia as the Secretary Emeritus of St. John’s was passed around. Discussion followed as to when it should be presented. No date has been determined.
Vestry Retreat/Training – Bob will try to work around everyone’s schedule and come up with dates. Members are to give him their vacation plans and non- available times.
Good of the Parish- The Parish Picnic is to be held on Sunday, June 2nd following the 10:30 service.
The vestry went into executive session.
Adjournment, Bettyrene Pope Registrar