The regular meeting of the Vestry of St. John’s Church, Elizabeth City Parish, Hampton, Virginia was held on May 3, 2005. The Reverend Donna-Mae Siderius, Rector, opened the meeting with prayer at 7:10 p.m. Vestry members present were William Andrews, Greg Brauer, Linda Curtis-Senior Warden, Charles Edmonson, Ben Ferris, Bill Forinash, Bob Harper, Peggy Hayes, Vestal Lewis, Bettyrene Pope, Sandy Smith-Registrar, and Bill Terrill-Junior Warden. Absent were Nelson Durden, Connie Heath-Treasurer, and Kay Olson. Also present was Susan Copley, Assistant Rector. Devotions related to prayer were provided by Greg Brauer.
Program
The program was a presentation by Donna-Mae Siderius on “via media”, a structured way to look at our faith from the Anglican perspective using media and discussion. Donna-Mae and David Copley had attended a training session in Washington, DC on the use of “via media”. This is an opportunity for parishioners to explore their faith in both a large group setting and in small group discussions. This is an eight-week program, which includes seven two-hour sessions on specific topics, including a video presentation of up to 20 minutes, followed by discussion. The final session is a retreat. The topics can easily be used with newcomers or those individuals coming from different traditions.
“via media” is based on the experiential way of learning and is similar to the Alpha program. It was developed by a variety of individuals, including clergy. Each session stands alone, but the opportunity to build community is through regular attendance.
We are considering offering this program to the congregation during the evenings and after the Thursday Healing Service from mid-September through the end of October. We need about five to six weeks lead-in time for advertising and training. We need to train two coordinators who will then train others.
A sample video presentation was critiqued by the Vestry. The overall feeling was that the program was worthy of further consideration. Donna-Mae will pull together a team to evaluate this program for use at St. John’s. The Vestry was asked to think about this opportunity for further discussion at our next Vestry meeting.
Action: A team will be pulled together by Donna-Mae Siderius to evaluate the use of “via media” at St. John’s this fall.
Minutes
The minutes from the April 12, 2005 meeting were approved with corrections to pages one and two. The amount of compensation paid to John Gammel is about $400 per month, not per year. The rent increase for one of the tenants of the Hoffman House will be effective August 1, 2005, not 2004.
Treasurer’s Report
Due to the absence of Connie Heath, the Treasurer’s report was given by Charles Edmonson, chair of the Finance Committee. Charles reviewed the Income/Expense Statement, Balances of Designated Offerings, and the Special Accounts Report. The checking account balance was reported as $4,083.55. Income for April was $46,863.85. Expenses were $56,370.60. The interest payment on our line of credit for the parish house renovations is now being paid from the Hoffman House account. The balance in that account is $39,400.
The report was approved as presented.
Rector’s Report
Donna-Mae Siderius passed around the Sunday Sexton sign-up sheet for June and July. The Vestry was reminded that we represent the congregation and need to be visible. We should wear our Vestry name tags. Donna-Mae will get Harper Lewis to make name tags for the new Vestry members. There was discussion about safety, particularly regarding the women on the Vestry who will be in the parish house alone. It was suggested that anyone who is uncomfortable performing this ministry alone should team up with another Vestry member. It was suggested that this might also be an opportunity to involve others from the congregation. The Vestry was encouraged to invite someone from our Vestry Care Team or a newcomer to team up with us. This will draw more people into ministry. It was also suggested that the ushers might be willing to participate and that an appeal for volunteers to team up with Vestry members could be included in a future Epistle.
The Reverend Isabel Steilberg, St. Paul’s, Newport News has been invited to speak to the individuals who will be participating in the summer Soup Kitchen. The Vestry was also invited and encouraged to attend this meeting on Tuesday, May 17 at 7:00 p.m. St. Paul’s has an ongoing ministry to the homeless. Reverend Steilberg will talk about her experience with this ministry and the importance of education and setting boundaries.
The Vestry was asked to make note of the following important dates:
May 15 – Pentecost Picnic with the downtown churches at Mill Point Park. This is an attempt to show unity. So far five churches have agreed to participate. May 21 – Belize Mission Dinner/ Auction. Tickets are on sale now; friends are welcome. June 5 – “Daniel’s Dangerous Dilemma” presented by the choristers from St. John’s and Bruton Parish, at St. John’s. June 10-11 – Vestry Reflection (retreat) at the home of Peggy Hayes; 7-9 p.m. on June 10 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 11. We will continue our discussion from our last retreat. Lunch on June 11 will be potluck. June 12 – Last day of Sunday School; Mozart Mass with strings; Caribbean picnic; June 21-29 – Journey to Adulthood (J2A) Pilgrimage; Donna-Mae will be going
Donna-Mae provided additional information on the J2A Program. This is the first group to go through this program. We are still working on encouraging the youth to attend Sunday School and not just the activities. Kathy Dansey sent evaluation forms to parents and about 1/3 responded. There were mixed responses. We plan to continue this program for the next two years to allow the youth in Rite 13 to complete the entire process and then the program will be reevaluated. This program demands commitment from both the youth and their parents.
We have received one estimate for the installation of window treatments for the main parish hall, stage area (1/2 of the window) and clergy offices (plantation shutters) of $10,900. A second estimate will be obtained before any Vestry action is taken. We may have to request funding from the Endowment Board.
Donna-Mae will be participating in a CREDO conference beginning after church on May 15 through Monday, May 23. David and Susan Copley will be in charge.
Action: Donna-Mae Siderius will have Harper Lewis make name tags for the new Vestry members.
Assistant Rector’s Report
Susan Copley reported that about 40 people attended the Newcomer Ministry potluck dinner on April 19. Sign up sheets for various ministries, such as taking pictures of newcomers, were distributed. However, not many people signed up. Susan suggested that parishioners wear name tags at social events/meetings so individuals can get to know each other. The Vestry was encouraged to invite newcomers on their Vestry Care Teams to get involved in church activities and if they can’t, encourage them to pray for the church.
Security Issues
Ben Ferris adjusted the handicap door so it will now shut. However, Door Engineering of Norfolk has recommended we buy a new door. We have another company coming to give us an estimate. The cost of the new door will be covered by a memorial contribution. A plaque will be placed on the new door in memory of John Morello.
Action: The handicap door will be replaced. The cost will be covered by a contribution in memory of John Morello.
Donna-Mae Siderius shared a breakdown of expenses from Johns Brothers Security regarding the reinstallation of our security system, with enhancements. The cost of the system is $3075. With enhancements, the total cost is $7200. We need an additional camera so John Siderius can unlock the back door from his office. There was a great deal of discussion regarding how to ensure the back door is completely closed after a person is buzzed into the building. There was also discussion regarding the breakdown of expenditures and the final cost of this project. There was concern that we did not have all the information we needed to make an informed decision on authorizing the expenditure of funds for this project, even though we knew we needed to act quickly for safety reasons. Ben Ferris volunteered to work with Donna-Mae and Bill Terrill to get answers to our questions from Johns Brothers Security regarding the cost of this project and the specific enhancements.
Linda Curtis made a motion that the Vestry approve the expenditure of up to $8000 for the reinstallation of our security system, with enhancements. The motion was seconded by Bettyrene Pope and unanimously passed by the Vestry.
Action: Expenditure of up to $8000 to reinstall our security system, with specific enhancements, was authorized by the Vestry. Ben Ferris, Donna-Mae Siderius and Bill Terrill will work with Johns Brothers Security to ensure our questions regarding cost and functionality are answered.
Wardens’ Report
There was no report from the Senior Warden or the Junior Warden.
Hampton History Museum
Greg Brauer provided an update on the work of St. John’s Hampton History Museum Committee. The Committee is continuing to gather “articles” representing the history of St. John’s, which will be presented to the Museum for consideration. Five enlarged photographs, with captions, have been proposed. A replica of our communion silver is also an option. Frank Edgar, Sr. is evaluating this option. It could take some time to make a replica. A photograph of our communion silver is also an option. The names of other parishioners who might be able to help were given to Greg. The Committee has not reached a consensus regarding the placement of the items in the Museum and is continuing this discussion.
Hampton Research Proposal
Beverly Gundry provided Donna-Mae Siderius with a proposal from Dr. Anne Garland, Archaeology in Education, Ltd., to research our church site. Dr. Garland is requesting Vestry authorization and support for outside funding requests for this project. There will be no cost to St. John’s and the project will be non-invasive.
A motion was made by Peggy Hayes, and seconded by Bob Harper, that St. John’s support this research project. The motion was unanimously approved by the Vestry.
Action: Dr. Anne Garland, Archaeology in Education, Ltd., was authorized by the Vestry to research the St. John’s church site.
Commission System
Continuing discussion of the need for revisions to the existing Commission System, begun at the April Vestry meeting, was tabled until the Vestry retreat in June.
Good of the Order
Greg Brauer, Bob Harper and Bill Terrill will determine what is needed to re-install the sign at the second site of St. John’s on the Hampton University campus.
The Vestry received an update on the status of Bishop Bane. The Bishop has complied with the directive of Resolution R-5 passed at Annual Council in February. The Executive Board of the Diocese has approved the appointment of three Bishops from Louisiana, Maine, and Western Massachusetts to come into the Diocese to work with Bishop Bane. The Executive Board and the Standing Committee will meet on May 4 to hear a report from the Accountability Committee of the Diocese, which will include a job description for the Bishop. The Presiding Bishop, Bishop Bane, the three outside Bishops, and Bishop Clay Matthews will meet on June 15 to work on the design team. Donna-Mae Siderius, a member of the Executive Committee, suggested that the design team include a member of the clergy and a lay person. The design team will begin their work on June 29 or 30.
Tacky Light Award
Ben Ferris (Crabber) passed the Tacky Light Award to Vestal Lewis (Phantom). It was a tacky, tacky white crab.
The meeting was adjourned with prayer by Susan Copley at 9:30 p.m.
The next Vestry meeting will be June 7. Bill Forinash will be responsible for devotions and snacks.
Sandy Smith Registrar
Approved:
——- Approved with corrections: