The regular monthly meeting of St. John’s Church, Elizabeth Parish, Hampton, Virginia, was held on March 14, 2006, with The Very Reverend Donna-Mae Siderius presiding. The meeting was opened with prayer and the announcement of additions to the agenda.
Members present were Greg Brauer, Nelson Durden, Bob Harper, Sr. Warden, Kay Olson, Registrar, Charles Edmonson, Benjamin Ferris, Connie Heath, treasurer, Bettyrene Pope, Jr. Warden, Bob Wind, John Chiasson, Whit McKinney, Sanford Pankin, and Chuck Zimmerman.
Clergy present were, The Very Reverend Donna-Mae Siderius, The Reverend David Copley, and The Reverend Susan Copley.
Devotions were provided by Ben Ferris.
Donna-Mae presented “Working as a Team: Meditation: The Job” and also read and discussed Vestry Norms reminding members of what is expected at a meeting.
Minutes of the February Vestry Meeting were approved with one correction.
Treasurer Connie Heath reported a balance of $38,620.66 as of today. Pledge receipts are at 17.28%, normal for this time of year. Plate offering is down.
Questions were asked concerning the number of pledging units this year, and if those who had pledged this last year and not pledged this year had been contacted. Bob Harper will check on this and if there are any parishioners in this area, vestry will be notified and if non pledger is on one’s vestry care team that person will contact the parishioner.
Special accounts reports are to be detailed and information available at the next meeting.
Senior Warden’s Report
Bob Harper reported the Executive Board of Vestry will meet the first Tuesday of each month to set the agenda for the following meeting. No decisions are to be made at this meeting. Items for the agenda should be gotten to a member of the Executive Board prior to the meeting so it can be added to the agenda.
Last meeting working committees were established, updates on committee actions will be reported at each vestry meeting. Committees can be strengthened by involving parishioners as members of the committees, giving parishioners more of a leadership responsibility.
Junior Warden’s Report
Bettyrene Pope reported routine maintenance problems have been attended to.
Graffiti painted over on the Hoffman House.
New flood light bulbs replaced those painted red in the cemetery.
Installation of fire exit signs and lights began today. Exterior lighting installation will follow. Funding for the security and emergency lighting was approved by the Endowment Board.
Parking Issues
A letter was received from Hampton Parking Authority giving us permission to close the Franklin Street parking lot (in front of the church) for funerals and church related services when needed during the daytime hours.
Parking Lot
Potential scenarios for extending Parish House parking lot to include the grassy area adjacent to the present asphalt lot were discussed. (i.e. the area between the parish house and the jail.) This area of land is owned by the parish and not the city.
Tree removal estimates $1,200.00 and $875.00.
The cost of a gravel parking lot is estimated at $6,000.00 – $7,000.00. The gravel is to be laid and let set for several months before having asphalt put down. The total cost, including asphalting, is estimated at $13,000.00. Funding for this project is not available from the Endowment Board.
A motion was made and seconded the vestry send the proposal to the Finance Committee for them to seek potential sources of funds. Present needed amount not to exceed $7,000.00.
Action taken: Vestry passed the motion to send the proposal to the Finance Committee for them to seek potential sources of funds. Present needed amount not exceed $7,000.00.
Saturday, March 18th will be a Work Day with specified projects lined up, including leveling pavers on walkways, caulking windows above parish house on back, facing parking lot, installing outside lights at the SS wing door with dusk to dawn sensors and another light outside door of fire escape on the 2nd floor of SS wing, sanding down and painting of door facing into kitchen.
Donna-Mae thanked Bettyrene for all her work.
Vestry Concerns
A reminder we all are responsible for how parishioners, newcomers, and old timers, alike are perceived to be treated by others in the congregation. Some feel not welcome in our midst. A friendly smile and meaningful hello can go a long way toward making someone new feel comfortable at our church. It can be very hard for someone “Church Shopping” to walk into a well established community and try to get aquatinted with us. We must be aware of how we treat people in this situation. On this note we have lost five families in the last four months. These persons have not found us to be a welcoming place.
To be included on the agenda each month will be a Care Group discussion on issues and concerns found by talking with those on each Care Group as a way to keep up with what is going on with our parishioners. The discussion also included conversation about revitalizing the committee system.
Housing
A motion was made and seconded to approve compensation that will be allocated to Clergy Housing Allowances: $15,000.00 for The Reverends David and Susan Copley and $21,500 for The Very Reverend Donna-Mae Siderius.
Action Taken: The vestry approved housing allowances of $15,000.00 for The Reverends David and Susan Copley and $21,500.00 for The Very Reverend Donna-Mae Siderius.
Thank you’s
Thank you notes to be sent to persons who have done outstanding jobs this past month.
Hansi Haufler, Debbie Williams, and The Winarskis for work on the Newcomer Committee. Frank Edgar, Sr, for a great job on the Pancake Supper and Oyster Roast. Adult Discussion Group for the wonderful breakfasts they provide on the first Sunday of each month. Congregational Development for planning the Bishop’s day with Vestries and Leaders. St. Andrews Church for hosting the confirmation program.
Good of the Order
Charles Edmonson announced there will be three people rotating off the Finance Committee this May, he will have more information at the next meeting.
Charles Edmonson has a price of $250.00 for an 8 1/2 inch by 14 inch plaque to honor the William’s for their generous trust.
The Pre Convention Diocesan meeting will be held at Bruton Parish on June 4th from 4:00-6:00 pm.
The Post Convention Diocesan meeting will be held at St. John’s on July 16th from 4:00-6:00 pm.
Connie passed the Vestry Tacky Light to Chuck Zimmerman, Scott Curtis has to keep the Mission Tacky Light for one more month.
The Reverend Susan Copley ended the meeting with prayer.
Kay Olson, Registrar