The regular meeting of the Vestry of St. John’s Church, Elizabeth City Parish, Hampton, Virginia, was held on August 8, 2006. The Very Reverend Donna-Mae Siderius, Rector, presided, opening the meeting with a prayer from the book, “Women’s Uncommon Prayers”, entitled “Believe in Destiny”. Vestry members present were John Chiasson, Scott Curtis, Bettyrene Pope, Jr. Warden, Bob Harper, Sr. Warden, Greg Brauer, Ben Ferris, Whit McKinney, Sanford Pankin, Nelson Durden, Charles Zimmerman, Kay Olson, Registrar, Bill Forinash, and Connie Heath, Treasurer. Absent were Bob Wind and Charles Edmonson.
Reflections and Discussion
The Very Reverend Donna-Mae Siderius opened discussion concerning the Copley’s leaving the Parish to enable David to take the position as Mission Personnel Officer, at the Episcopal Church Center in New York City. A reception will be held for them on August 27, 2006, following the 10:00 Service. Donna-Mae asked Vestry to think about what will be our staffing needs, and how quickly to move on this, and how will we fill those “holes” that the church will have because of their leaving. Concerns have been brought up about continuing the Youth Ministry with solid leadership. Donna-Mae said our new organizational structure will give us frame work to continue the work the Copley’s have begun; enabling lay persons to step up to leadership positions to continue this work
Reverend Siderius gave the vestry members a reprint of an article by Herb Miller entitled “DO WE NEED MORE PARKING?” She encouraged all members to read the article.
The program was a survey “U.S. Congregational Life Survey”, asking questions pertaining to the ten most important concerns facing parishes today. The majority of Vestry members picked the top three which were, Caring for Children and Youth, Participation in Church Activities, and Welcoming New People.
Vestry Business
The minutes of the June minutes were approved as corrected.
Treasurers Report
Connie Heath, Treasurer reported a balance as of August 8, 2006 of $13,553.27, after paying an annual insurance premium and the quarterly annuity for the clergy. She reported the total pledge offerings for the summer have fallen behind, the figures are at 49.94% and that figure should be at 58%. Interest payment for the Line of Credit is larger than anticipated because of the rise in interest rates. Vestry will ask the Finance committee to look at where funds are available to make the Line of Credit payment.
Action Taken the Vestry will as the Finance Committee to find available funds to make the Line of Credit payment. The treasurers report was received by Vestry Vote.
Committee Reports
Finance Committee
Terrey McKinney will be Chairperson of the Finance Committee and Jim Shoemaker will become a member of said committee for the 2006 -2007 year. Reverend Siderius will be looking into bringing all committees in line to start in January of each year.
Junior Warden
Inside Church Building
Bettyrene Pope reported light bulbs have been replaced in the church and brighter lighting was used, a work order is in place to have work done on the air conditioner in the church building. The roof above the Sacristy is leaking, repair estimate is $1,600.00 to $ 1,800.00, and repair needs to be done before further damage is reported to the sacristy.
Inside the Parish Hall
The small air conditioner in the Parish Hall needed a replacement part, it has been repaired. Two electrical outlets have been installed on the wall of the “Small Hall”, the wall where the deacon’s bench is located. The electrical cord reels in the kitchen are now all on separate circuits.
Concerns brought up by vestry members were a dripping water faucet in the “Ladies Choir Room”, and if there is a rating for the Parish Hall roof.
Senior Warden
Bob Harper has no report this month.
Rectors Report
Reverend Siderius has designed, with the Christian Education Leader, a survey with the purpose of bringing in place the best Christian Education Program available. Vestry members on the Ministry of Christian Foundation will be making calls to parents, Christian Education leaders and others with questions concerning what we are doing right and where we can improve.
Future staffing issues were discussed, will the Vestry be looking for someone recently out of Seminary or will we want a “more seasoned” Clergy Person. Will we look for someone fulltime or part time? These concerns will be brought to the table when the Very Reverend Donna-Mae Siderius finds a candidate she believes will fill St. John’s needs.
The Vestry supports The Very Reverend Donna-Mae Siderius asking someone to come as a part-time minister to fill an immediate need.
St. John’s received a letter from The Reverend Canon Win Lewis asking if St. John’s Church is willing to host an Ordination Exploration Aspirant, Mr. Les Ferguson, for three months. The vestry voted via e-mail to host Les Ferguson at St. Johns for his three month discernment period. The vote was taken by e-mail because of a deadline of August 1, 2006. A lay committee of six persons will be appointed to meet with the Aspirant seven or eight times during the three month discernment period, and will walk him through the his ministry phase. A member of the Commission on Ministry will orient the lay committee and supervisor. Les will be a regular Sunday liturgical presence at the services. Les is retiring from the Navy and is the Son of an Episcopal Priest.
Action taken the Vestry voted via e-mail to host Les Ferguson for his three month discernment period as there was an August 1, 2006 deadline.
A letter was received by Greta Harrison for consideration by the Vestry concerning some additions to the Church’s services. Bob Harper made a motion the move this correspondence to the Worship Committee for consideration. Motion carried.
Action taken Bob Harper made a motion to move correspondence from Greta Harrison to the Worship Committee for consideration. The motion carried.
A “Personal Stewardship Form” for areas of interest or current active service in St. John’s has been worked out by Donna-Mae, Harper, and the Staff for parishioners to fill out as to what He/She is doing or interested in doing as a part of the Ministries of the church. This form will be included in the next Epistle, everyone is encouraged to fill out the form and return it to the Church Office. This information will then be added to the data base to be easily located when needed by the Clergy or the Wardens.
St. John’s Disaster Management Plan coordinating team has come up with a Disaster Plan of Action, which Vestry was asked to look over and make suggestions for changes or improvements. The committee will take under consideration the suggestions made and will put a plan in place for protecting St. John’s property and records in case of an emergency. David Foster will become a member of this committee.
Election was held for Delegates to Diocesan Council. Term is to run from September 1, 2006 until August 31, 2007. Delegates must be available to attend Diocesan Council meetings on October 7, 2006 and in February of 2007. Elected as delegates were, Whit McKinney, Bettyrene Pope, Greg Brauer, and Bob Harper, Alternates are Sanford Pankin, and Kay Olson.
Charles Zimmerman made a motion to accept the slate of delegates. The motion carried.
Action taken Charles Zimmerman made a motion to accept the slate of delegates. The motion carried.
Good of the Order
Kudos
Thanks to Donna-Mae, Harper, and all the staff for all the work done on the Personal Stewardship Form.
Vestry care groups were updated and new lists given to all vestry members, Donna-Mae asked that all members be called and asked if the September Epistle was received with the Personal Stewardship Form and to invite all to attend the fall “Kick-Off Sunday” on September 17, 2006.
It seems the June recipients of the Tacky Night Lights (Kay and John) liked praying for St. John’s and the Mission’s so much they will keep the lights for another month.
The meeting was closed at 8:35 PM with prayer by Donna-Mae Siderius.
Kay Olson
Registrar