The regular monthly meeting of the Vestry of St. John’s Church, Elizabeth City Parish was held on January 8, 2007 with the Very Reverend Donna-Mae Siderius presiding. Members present were Sanford Pankin, Whit McKinney, Connie Heath, Treasurer, Nelson Durden, Charlie Edmonson, Bob Harper, Senior Warden, Kay Olson, Registrar, Chuck Zimmerman, Scott Curtis, Bettyrene Pope, Junior Warden, Greg Brauer, John Chiasson, and Bill Forinash. Absent was Bob Wind.
The Reverend Donna-Mae Siderius opened meeting at 7 pm with prayer, Chuck Zimmerman gave the devotions.
The December minutes were approved as corrected.
Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Connie Heath reported that as of December 31, 2006, 94.39% of the total budget for 2006 had been received. Due to the lower than anticipated lower fuel costs, a more efficient heating and cooling system, and the reallocation of our assistant rector’s salaries, St. John’s finished the 2006 year with a surplus of $13,560.00. The total of pre-paid pledges or 2007 was $12,440.00.
A revised budget was presented by the Very Reverend Donna-Mae Siderius, this budget is a balanced budget and the recommendation is to present this budget to the parishioners at the Annual Meeting.
Bettyrene Pope made a motion to adopt the revised budget and present it to the parishioners at the annual meeting, motion seconded by Sanford Pankin. The motion carried with one member abstaining.
Action Taken: Bettyrene Pope made a motion to adopt the revised budget and present it to the parishioners at the annual meeting, Sanford Pankin seconded the motion. The motion carried with one member abstaining.
The Finance Committee will not be by-passed in the recommendation by the Vestry.
Junior Warden’s Report
Bettyrene Pope reported that parking lot lines were painted to delineate entrance and exit to new gravel parking area and put up new sign into parking area “ST. JOHN’S CHURCH PARKING ONLY”.
Repaired and painted area on wall of church that was peeling. Overhead trim in vestibule at West Door has been painted.
Awaiting estimates for repairs and painting to outside of Hoffman House. Estimates will be presented to Vestry when received. Also, getting an estimate to repair plumbing in the parish house.
Other maintenance has been attended to as needed.
Senior Warden’s Report
Bob Harper presented to the Registrar a letter received from Old Point National Bank requesting copies of minutes of the June and December 2004 minutes in which a vote was taken to request a line of credit from Old Point National Bank for the renovation of the parish house.
Bob noted the parish continues to do good works outside of the Parish, example St. Paul’s Church breakfast ministry; persons involved are Joe Drewry, Everett Peckham, Whit McKinney and Susan Cowling.
The Vestry thanked Bob for all the work he has done as Senior Warden.
Rector’s Report
Donna-Mae and Susan did ten home communions for our shut-in parishioners over the Christmas holidays.
The Vestry supports Donna-Mae on giving time off with pay to the staff whenever she deems it necessary to do so.
Donna-Mae’s leadership will focus on the “Center”, maintaining that center, where God is calling us as a way to unity. “Holding the Center”.
A letter from the American Red Cross was received thanking St. John’s approval of letting the Red Cross us our kitchen when an emergency situation arises
A proposal will be presented at the Annul meeting to recommend reducing the number of people serving on Vestry from fifteen (15) to twelve (12).
Donna-Mae reminded vestry of the upcoming Annual Meeting on January 28, 2007, Baxter Simmons will be asked to cater the breakfast and Vestry members will help with the serving, setting up and clean up.
Dates to Remember
- January 16: The first lecture of the series by The Reverend James “Skip” Hutton
- January 17: Orientation of Vestry Nominees
- January 24: Pre-council at Hickory Neck, 7 pm, meet at church 6 pm for carpool
- January 28: Annual Meeting, after 9 am service
- February 6: Leadership focus group, 7 pm, Williams Hall, Dessert and Coffee, Vestry to furnish desserts.
- March 23 & 24: Vestry Retreat at Camp Chanco (overnight)
- April 20 & 21: Convocation Anti-racism training, Fri evening and Saturday, possibly at St. John’s.
Good of the Order
Kudos
Thanks to Chuck Zimmerman for leadership of Night’s Welcome, to Everett Peckham for coming each day to make sure everything was in order after the Night’s Welcome guests left the building, to Bettyrene Pope for all she has done as Junior Warden this past year, to the Christmas Carolers who brighten the night singing to our shut-in parishioners and to the retiring Vestry members, Greg Brauer, Nelson Durden, Bill Forinash, Bob Harper, and Kay Olson.
The tacky night-light went to the outgoing Senior Warden, Bob Harper, from Donna-Mae. John Chiasson is still praying for missions.
Kay Olson, Registrar
It has been my pleasure to serve as your registrar this past year, Thanks for your patience.