The Vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Elizabeth City Parish, Hampton, Virginia met on April 8, 2008. Reverend Donna-Mae Siderius opened the meeting at 7:05 p.m. Present were John Chiasson-Junior Warden, Betsy Clark, Scott Curtis, Bob Harper Senior Warden, Whit McKinney, Kay Olson, Sanford Pankin, Parkie Rice, Ruth Simmons, and Sandy Smith-Registrar. The Reverend Skip Hutton, Connie Heath, Treasurer, and Bill Boyer, Financial Administrator and guest were also present. Kevin Eley, Megan Tiller, and Kevin Van Sloten were absent.
Formation
Kay Olson led the Vestry in prayer and reflection on a passage on The Good Shepherd from John 10: 11-15.
Information
Prayer Concerns
Prayers were offered for parishioners, relatives, and friends of the clergy and the Vestry.
Care Groups
Vestry members were asked to call their Care Groups and invite them to the Spring Fling Brunch and dedication of the stage area in Mollie Darling’s memory on Sunday, April 27.
Newcomers
The following names of recent newcomers were shared:
- Beth Shumate
- Kimberly Duffy
Vestry was encouraged to get names of newcomers and share with the clergy, as not all complete a visitor card.
Church Renovation Committee
John Chiasson reported on the newly formed Church Renovation Committee. Ron and Carrie Quinn are the Co-Chairs and John is the Project Supervisor. The Committee is also working with Camille Bowman, a restoration historian. The Committee meets biweekly to identify the renovation needs in the church building. The group recently “toured” the space between the church ceiling and the roof George Cornwell is making working copies from the old blueprints. Once the needs have been identified, they will present a Plan to the Vestry with short and long term goals. The Plan will include discussion with groups who use the building. The first priority is to determine what we can do immediately with this year’s surplus from the Mary Williams Trust. The next meeting is April 16.
Junior Warden’s Report
John Chiasson reported on the following projects underway in the Hoffman House and the Parish House.
Window replacement in the Hoffman House is almost finished. Water heaters in the ceiling of the Hoffman House need to be removed Plumbing work on the second floor Sunday School wing has started.
Senior Warden’s Report
Bob Harper did not have a report.
Upcoming Events
The following upcoming events were noted:
- Skip Hutton’s 2010 Lecture #12 – Tuesday, April 15 at 7:00 p.m.
- Art Retrospective of Allan and Jean Craig Jones, Opening Reception on April 15 at 7:30 p.m. at Charles Taylor Arts Center, Hampton.
- Spring Fling Brunch and Dedication of Stage Area as Mary “Mollie” Gorton Darling Room on Sunday, April 27 following 10:30 service.
- Vestry Executive Committee Meeting, Tuesday, April 29 at 5:30 p.m.
- Downtown Neighborhood Lunch Program Meeting, April 30 at 7:00 p.m.
- Stewardship Workshop, Saturday, May 3 at Hickory Neck, Toano; Hugh Magers will be keynote speaker
- May Vestry meeting changed to May 6 at 7:00 p.m.
- 76th Celebration of Willie Parker’s service to St. John’s, June 15 at 10:00 a.m.
Discussion
St. John’s Financial Information
At the request of the Vestry, Bill Boyer, Financial Administrator presented a comprehensive review of St. John’s financial information utilizing a handout titled Financial Framework of St. John’s Church (see attached).
Delegates and Alternates to Council
Donna-Mae Siderius suggested the Vestry consider a change in the way we elect delegates and alternates to Annual Council. A proposal will be developed by the Executive Committee and presented to the Vestry at the May meeting.
Sponsorship of Candidate for Ordination
Vestry discussed acting as the sponsoring parish for parishioner Dennis Krumlauf, a candidate for ordination. Dennis recently returned from Iraq, where he became “hooked on the Episcopal Church” while serving as a chaplain. If accepted by the diocese as a candidate for ordination, the Vestry will interview him at the May meeting. Dennis will serve as a Lay Eucharistic Minister, preach, and lead an Adult Forum.
Decisions
Minutes
The March Vestry minutes were approved as presented.
Financial Statement
Connie Heath, Treasurer reviewed the March Income and Expense Statement, Special Accounts Report, and Balances of Designated Offerings Report. We received the quarterly income from the Nickerson Trust; a decision on disbursement will be presented to the Vestry at a later date. As a result of Bill Boyer’s presentation, the Vestry requested the Balances of Designated Offerings Report be renamed Outreach Funds.
The checking account balance as of April 8 was $30,312.35. March income was $38,664.32 and expenses were $36,174.47. With 25% of the year complete, pledge income received is at 26.86% and total income is at 31.43%, so we are right on track.
A report on Connie’s decision regarding investment options was tabled.
Other Business
Thank You
The Vestry thanked the following:
- Bill Boyer for his thorough presentation of our financial accounts
- Bettyrene Pope for acting as hostess in Harper Lewis’ absence for the diocesan Safe Church presentation on Saturday, April 5 at St. John’s.
- John Chiasson for his continuing outstanding work as Junior Warden.
Tacky Lights
Parkie Rice passed the Dr. Chuck Light to Ruth Simmons. Kevin Van Sloten will keep the Mission Tacky Light for another month. Skip will keep the Vestry Light forever!
Closing
Skip Hutton closed the meeting with prayer at 9:35 p.m.
The next Vestry meeting is May 6.
Sandy Smith
Registrar
Approved with corrections