Vestry Minutes June 10, 2008
The Vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Elizabeth City Parish, Hampton, Virginia met on June 10, 2008. The Reverend Donna-Mae Siderius opened the meeting at 7:05 pm. Present were Bob Harper, Senior Warden, John Chiasson, Junior Warden, Megan Tiller, Sanford Pankin, Ruth Simmons, Betsy Clark, Scott Curtis, Kay Olson, Ann Rice, Whit McKinney, and Kevin Van Sloten. Also present were The Reverend James Hutton and Treasurer Connie Heath. Brian McMahon, guest speaker, was also present. Absent were Kevin Eley and Sandra Smith.
Megan Tiller led the Vestry in prayer and took the members back to a time of “budding artists” as she presented Genesis 3:9, where God is asking Adam, “Where are you”. Megan had us draw, on the Tree of Life, where we are in our lives with God at this time in our lives.
Prayer Concerns
Prayers of healing, condolences, and encouragement were offered for parishioners and friends of the Vestry.
Guest Speaker
Brian McMahon, St. John’s Web Master, talked to the vestry about the website, information included who is looking at the website and what makes them want to visit our church, and what current parishioners look for on the website. Brian wanted to know if the Web Master is setting the tone and word for the church. Brian gave the vestry a look into the future of the website and asked that a team of vestry persons be appointed to work with him on making the website what it needs to be to attract new members to St. John’s. Donna-Mae said most of the new comers have come to visit Sunday services because of the website. Scott Curtis, Ann Rice and Kevin Van Sloten volunteered to work with Brian on the website
Reports
Care Groups
Reports of calls made to care groups concerning parish events were held.
Church Renovation Committee Report
John Chiasson reported on the meeting of the renovation committee, the brick and mortar work to be done in the exterior of the church building will be done to match the existing brick and mortar. Plumbing to the 2nd and third floor rest rooms is progressing. Next meeting is June 18.
Junior Warden’s Report
Hoffman House water damage is being taken care of; replacement of big picture windows on front of the building will be completed. The water heaters have been removed from the attic of the building.
A parishioner has requested to have the church services taped and recorded, this parishioner will pay for this service. An estimate of how many persons could benefit from tapes of service will be looked into; this request will be tabled until the August meeting.
Senior Warden’s Report
Bob Harper reported on the visit of himself and Kay Olson to Mrs. Elizabeth Brauer and the delivery of the Vestry’s response to her letter to Vestry. The visit was in no way made to change her mind, but to remind her of our love for her and her family.
Past delegates to Council have agreed to serve again in 2008.
Rector’s Report
Donna-Mae reported on pastoral response to honor the funeral service of Harrol Brauer. A reconciliation attempt will be made with Mrs. Brauer. Members were given a hand out entitled “Cleaning up Bad Communication Habits” for reading and learning how to deal with differences in a healthy way. If a parishioner come to a vestry member with a concern, invite the person to confront the one with whom he/she has a concern. Let the person know his/her name will be brought to the vestry along with the concern so it can be addressed in the proper way. The Downtown Lunch for June 11 will be the responsibility of the clergy and staff, if a vestry member is able to help please come and do so.
Upcoming Events include:
- 76th celebration of Willie Parker’s service to St. John’s on June 15
- Sundays in July, (between the services) Coffee and Informal Conversations with the Rector
- Sundays in August (3, 10, 17, 24) electing a Bishop, facilitated by clergy No Vestry meeting in July
- Executive meeting Tuesday, August 5 at 5:00 pm Regular Vestry meeting Tuesday, August 12 at 7:00 pm
Donna-Mae and John Siderius will be attending conferences in Minneapolis the week of June 16, and will be going to visit family afterwards, they will return on the 6th of July.
Ann Ward will furnish red carnations for the men on June 15, Father’s day.
Associate Rector’s Report
Skip reported he has been busy working with the diocese screening persons requesting ordination. He believes this is a good group of candidates.
Business Meeting
A parishioner, Linda Serwatka, has noticed signs of mold on one of the needlework hangings in the small chapel. Linda has investigated the cost of repair of the hanging. Estimated cost is $1,530.00. Bob Harper made a motion that funds be taken from the Memorial Fund, not to exceed $2,500.00, for restoration of the needlework hanging and to get a second estimate of cost. Megan Tiller seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Action: Bob Harper made a motion that funds be taken from the Memorial Fund, not to exceed $2,500.00, for restoration of the needlework hanging and to get a second estimate of cost. Megan Tiller seconded the motion. Motion Passed.
A letter from the Diocese of Southern Virginia was received asking if St John’s would host an Ordination Exploration Aspirant. Discussion on this matter was St. John’s will be serving as sponsor of Dennis Krumlauf in the ordination process and hosting of the Aspirant would not be advantageous to the parish at this time. Scott Curtis made the motion to decline the Diocese request to host an Ordination Exploration Aspirant. Sanford Pankin seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Action: Scott Curtis made a motion to decline the Diocese request to host an Ordination Exploration Aspirant. Sanford Pankin seconded the motion. The motion carried.
2010 Celebration Planning Donna-Mae reported planning of events for 2010 Celebration include a visit from Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori at a service on July 11, 2010. A Christian Faith Experience Pentecost program is scheduled May 23, 2010, at Buckroe Beach. A Signature Event Christmas 2010 is being planned by the City. Ann Ward is looking into commemorative items for St. John’s parishioners and the community.
Letter of Resignation from Vestry
A letter of resignation from Sandy Smith, registrar and vestry member was read. Scott Curtis made a motion to accept Sandy’s letter of resignation and to respond with a letter from vestry to Sandy expressing regret over her resignation. Betsy Clark seconded the motion. Motion passed with one abstention.
Action: Scott Curtis made a motion to accept Sandy’s letter of resignation and to respond to Sandy expressing regret over her resignation. Betsy Clark seconded the motion. Motion passed with one abstention.
Megan Tiller will take the care group assigned to Sandy Smith.
Election of Registrar
Megan Tiller nominated Kay Olson to the office of registrar. Scott Curtis seconded the nomination. Kay Olson was elected registrar to the Vestry.
Action: Kay Olson was elected to the office of Registrar to the Vestry.
Delegates and Alternates to Council
Senior Delegates to council are Bettyrene Pope and Whit Mc Kinney serving a one year term: June 2008 – June 2009 Junior Delegates to council are Terrey Mc Kinney and Kay Olson serving two year Terms: June 2008 – June 2010 Elected as Alternates, Greg Brauer and Bob Harper serving three year terms: June 2008 – June 2011 Whit McKinney made a motion to accept the names of delegates as submitted. Megan Tiller seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Action: Whit McKinney made a motion accept the names of delegates as submitted. Megan Tiller seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Bob Harper made a motion to accept the minutes of the May meeting as corrected. Kevin Van Sloten seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Action: Minutes of the May meeting were corrected and approved as corrected.
Financial Statement: The May financial statement was approved as presented. Treasurer Connie Heath reported on investment options of Special Account CD that earns less than 1 %, she can get a no penalty 13 month CD paying 2.75% for the Memorial account. Betsy Clark made a motion for the treasurer to invest the Memorial account into a no penalty thirteen (13) month CD paying 2.75%. Bob Harper seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Action: The treasurer will invest the Memorial account into a no penalty thirteen (13) month CD paying 2.75%.
Good of the Order
Megan Tiller will be going to San Antonio, TX as a Youth Representative for the E.Y.E. 2008 July 8 – 13, 2008. < Have Fun Megan>
Tacky Lights
Kevin Van Sloten passed the Mission “tacky” light to Megan Tiller to take with her to San Antonio, as a reminder to have fun, but also remember she is on a Mission.
Ruth Simmons passed the Dr. Chuck “tacky” light to Kay Olson along with get well wishes.
Skip closed the vestry meeting with prayer.
Submitted by Kay Olson, Registrar.