The regular meeting of the vestry of St. John’s Church, Elizabeth City Parish, Hampton, Virginia was held at the parish house on April 6, 2004 at 7:00 pm. The Reverend Donna Mae Siderius presided. The meeting was opened with a prayer.
Vestry members present were Greg Brauer, Linda Curtis, Peggy Hayes, Connie Heath – Treasurer, Bill Kirkland, Vestal Lewis, Denine Miller, Elizabeth Phillips, Bettyrene Pope – Registrar, Jim Shoemaker, Sandy Smith, and Bill Terrill – Junior Warden.
Absent were William Andrews, Frank Edgar Sr. – Senior Warden, and Eric Stewart
Also present were Susan Copley – Assistant Rector and newly elected vestry members, Nelson Durden, Bill Forinash, and Bob Harper, and Kay Olson.
Linda Curtis gave devotions.
Business
Skeeter and Harold Brauer made a presentation to the vestry concerning a Cr�che and Nativity figures that they had purchased and used in their home over the last years. The cr�che is made up of sixty four (64) figures carved by Richard Lange and made in Oberammergau, Germany. The cr�che and nativity scene is an incredible display when spread out and has considerable worth. The Brauers’ asked that pending receipt of this gift that it be displayed all year round at the church and that they would be willing to underwrite the cost of a display case for preservation.
Due to the magnitude of this gift, the decision was made to table discussion until the next meeting giving members time to think about the ramifications of the gift.
The minutes of the March meeting were approved as corrected.
Treasurer’s Report – Connie Heath reported an income for the month of $31,881.19. Expenses were $33,966.69. The current checking account balance is $23,812.74.
A motion was made and seconded that the report be approved. It was voted on favorably.
Senior Warden – No report was given due to the absence Frank Edgar, Sr.
Junior Warden- Bill Terrill reported that “the demolition period” for the parish house is nearing an end and rebuilding is under way. The floor has been leveled on the stage and the adjoining room and it is now ready for the hardwood flooring. The asbestos has been removed and/or encapsulated on the pipes. The asbestos experts are now proceeding to the church to carry out necessary work there. Suggestions for storage space in the parish house iare being accepted. A new roof will be put on the Parish House. Bids for new windows are being sought.
The kitchen committee in concert with the architect has developed a layout configuration for a more user-friendly kitchen for the years to come. Discussion took place about all aspects of the kitchen. Bill Terrill moved that we accept the recommendation for the kitchen layout. The motion was voted on and passed.
Action taken: The Vestry approved the new kitchen layout as presented by the Kitchen Committee.
A committee of Linda Curtis- Chairman, Peggy Hayes, Bob Harper, Denine Miller, Kay Olson, and Elizabeth Phillips has been formed to make recommendations to the vestry for policy and care usage guidelines of the facilities.
Discussion of the role of the Junior Warden ensued. The role encompasses the oversight of property, facilities, buildings and grounds. A new Junior Warden will be elected at the next vestry meeting. Bill Terrill has volunteered to continue with his role in helping with the renovations and will mentor “the newly selected person”.
The Installation of the Vestry will be on Sunday, May 2, 2004 at the 10:30 AM Service.
Vestal Lewis has put in timeless hours and numerous phone calls to Sotheby’s’ about the appraisal of our Communion Silver. His tireless pursuit came to fruition. The true value will never be known but we were given a replacement value for appraisal purposes and insurance values of $1,080,000.00. Inquiries for purchase of insurance will be done by Bill Terrill.
A letter was received from Terry O’Neill, Director of Planning for Hampton concerning the desire to work with St. John’s representatives on the Downtown Hampton Plan. Bob Harper and Frank Edgar will attend a scheduled meeting on April 14th.
We will be visited by Bishop Carol Gallagher on Thursday, October 7, 2004.
There will be a Stewardship Conference on Saturday, May 1st at Hickory Neck in Toano for those interested persons.
A request from Anoush Wiggins was made to use the Parish House for her Scrapbooking Workshops. Due to the need for policy development about the use of the buildings, her request will be addressed after guidelines are approved and in place.
The singing of “Our Father’s God to Thee” during the church service was discontinued during the Penitential Services and will be reinstituted.
The Church Directory is being complied and should be ready in the near future.
Before bringing concerns to the vestry about particular church areas, members are encouraged to go to the person overseeing that area and talk with them to resolve the issue.
A letter from Bishop Bane was received about the loss of revenue in the Diocese by churches withholding funds. Jim Shoemaker moved that we submit a letter to the Finance Committee recommending some action by the vestry in response to sending additional money to the Diocese. The motion passed.
Action Taken: The Finance Committee will make a recommendation to the vestry about sending additional money to the diocese.
Program
The program for the night included members attending Bishop’s Day with the Vestries and Clergy giving reports concerning workshops they attended. All attendees felt it was a worthwhile day.
Vestries as Spiritual Leaders was reported on by Sandy Smith. She told that you have to see yourself as a spiritual leader on the vestry and then the congregation may see you as such. She reviewed a handout.
Twelve Signs of a Healthy Parish was reported on by Greg Brauer. The health of the parish resides in the vestry. The leaders set the tone. Leaders makes partnerships, decisions, map direction, and establish boundaries. Greg also attended a second workshop.
Managing Conflicts was attended by Vestal Lewis. We’re not immune to conflict and we’re not healthy if we do not have conflict. Growth influences conflicts. You build confidences on conflict. You try to move forward. More general information was shared about conflict.
For the Good of the Order
Donna Mae recruited spiritual leaders to participate in the Good Friday service.
The Tacky Light Award was given to Greg Brauer.
Sandy Smith expressed gracious thanks to Peggy Hayes for hosting a covered dish dinner at her house for the new and old vestry members.
The meeting was adjourned with a prayer at 9:40 PM.
Bettyrene Pope
Registrar
Minutes: Approved: Approved as corrected: