The Vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Elizabeth City Parish, Hampton,Virginia met on May 6, 2008. Reverend Donna-Mae Siderius opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. Present were John Chiasson-Junior Warden, Scott Curtis, Kevin Eley, Bob Harper-Senior Warden, Whit McKinney, Kay Olson, Sanford Pankin, Parkie Rice, Ruth Simmons, Sandy Smith-Registrar, Megan Tiller, and Kevin Van Sloten. The Reverend Skip Hutton and Connie Heath, Treasurer were also present. Betsy Clark was absent.
Formation
Sandy Smith led the Vestry in prayer and personal and Vestry reflection on “being a witness” from Acts 1: 7-8.
Information
Prayer Concerns
Prayers of healing, thanksgiving, and encouragement were offered for parishioners and friends of the Vestry.
Care Groups
Donna-Mae reported the Vestry calls to Care Groups inviting them to the Spring Fling Brunch were well received and reminded us of the need to care for and listen to our parishioners. Vestry was asked to contact their Care Groups again and invite them to the parish picnic on Sunday, June 8.
Newcomers
The following names of recent new newcomers were shared:
Kaye and Danny Lockey Jeffrey and Sarah Krause
Several visitors who were in church on Sunday, April 27 chose to attend the Spring Fling Brunch that day.
Church Renovation Committee Report
John Chiasson, Project Supervisor reported the next meeting of the Church Renovation Committee is May 7.
Junior Warden’s Report -John Chiasson
- Clock in Williams Hall was repaired.
- Williams Hall plaque was framed.
- Mollie Darling plaque was framed and hung.
- Next task is to sharpen all the large kitchen knives!
Senior Warden’s Report -Bob Harper
Several Vestry members attended the diocesan sponsored Stewardship meeting on May 3 at Hickory Neck, Toano and returned with several good ideas to consider for ongoing stewardship at St. John’s.
Vestry was asked to wear their name tags in church and at special events.
Clergy Report- Donna-Mae Siderius and Skip Hutton
Donna-Mae was interviewed and John Siderius played the organ for a video the City of Hampton is producing about the downtown area.
Donna-Mae and Harper Lewis will be at CREDO from May 11-18. Skip Hutton will be involved in a Commission on Ministry function and will also be away on May 18.
Skip will perform a private baptism in June; the first private one he has performed. Baptisms are normally public, but this request was granted because an elderly relative with health issues wants to participate.
Upcoming Events
- Pentecost Sunday, May 11.
- Reverend David Tetrault will serve as guest preacher on Sunday, May 18.
- 2010 Lecture #XIII -Architecture of the Church -Tuesday, May 19 at 7:00 p.m.
- J2A Fundraiser – Darden Performance -Saturday, May 24
- Downtown Neighborhood Lunch Program begins on Wednesday, May 28. There are four teams, including a Rector’s Team. All are invited to help, even if not on a team.
- Sunday School recognition breakfast on Sunday, June 1.
- Vestry Executive Team Meeting on Tuesday, June 3 at 5:30 p.m.
- Regular Vestry Meeting on Tuesday, June 10 at 7:00 p.m.
- 76th Celebration of Willie Parker’s service to St. John’s on Sunday, June 15.
Discussion
Interview: Chaplain Dennis Krumlauf, Candidate for Ordination
The Vestry interviewed Dennis Krumlauf, Candidate for Ordination in the Episcopal Church. Dennis is currently a Chaplain in the Army, and a minister in the Church of the Nazarene. Dennis shared his spiritual journey with the Vestry. Kevin Van Sloten moved the Vestry endorse, strongly recommend and encourage Dennis Krumlauf as a candidate for ordination in the Episcopal Church. The motion was seconded by Ruth Simmons and approved by the Vestry, with one abstention.
Action: Vestry recommended Dennis Krumlauf as a Candidate for Ordination in the Episcopal Church. St. John’s will serve as his sponsor in the ordination process.
Delegates and Alternates to Council
Discussion on a proposed change to the election of delegates and alternates was tabled to the next meeting. Vestry was asked to review the handout provided and come prepared to discuss at the June meeting.
Side Chapel Needlework Restoration, Tabled to the next meeting.
Parishioner Letter
Donna-Mae called the Vestry into Executive Session to discuss a letter of concern from a parishioner. [The discussion in executive session is not published.]
During the discussion, Sandy Smith resigned from the Vestry and left the meeting.
Decisions
Minutes: The minutes of the April meeting were approved as written.
Financial Statement: The April financial statement was approved.
Decision regarding Investment Options: Tabled to next meeting.
Other Business
Whit McKinney made a “motion for full support in confidence of the Rector,” seconded by Kevin Eley. There were twelve votes in favor and two members absent.
The vestry scheduled a special called meeting for Thursday, May 8th at 7:00.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:37 pm.
Sandy Smith Registrar
Megan Tiller, Scribe