The Vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Elizabeth City Parish, Hampton, Virginia met on September 9, 2008. The Reverend Donna-Mae Siderius opened the meeting at 7:05 pm. Present were 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. Absent were Senior warden Robert Harper and Kevin Eley. Guests present were Jimmy Shoemaker representing the Endowment Board and the Mary B. Williams Trust. Ron Quinn, Carrie Quinn, and George Cornwell from the Church Renovation Committee.
Jimmy Shoemaker, Ron Quinn, Carrie Quinn, and George Cornwell asked the Vestry to write letters to the Edward L. and Mary B. Williams Foundation and the Endowment board requesting funds for the beginning of “gentle renovation with modern systems consistent with the architecture of the building.” Included in the request is funding from the Endowment Fund for a roof study of the church to determine the soundness of existing slate and rubber roofing systems and the condition of existing structural deck, water conduction system, flashings , wood crosses, ventilation, etc. A request from the Edward L. and Mary B. Williams Foundation for restoration of the church’s exterior brickwork to include gentle cleaning, repointing, and in some areas replacement of non matching brick with that matching the brick in the church building and a request from the Edward L. and Mary B. Williams Foundation for exterior painting of the parish hall.
Whit McKinney made a motion to request for $5,000.00 from the Directors of St. John’s Church Endowment Fund, Inc. for a roofing study of the church to determine the soundness of existing slate and rubber roofing systems and the condition of existing structural deck, water conduction system, flashings, wood crosses, ventilation, etc. Megan Tiller seconded the motion. The motion passed. Action Taken: The Vestry voted to request $5000.00 from the Directors of St. John’s Church Endowment Fund, Inc. for a roofing study of the church to determine the soundness of existing slate and rubber roofing systems and the condition of existing structural deck, water conduction system, flashings, wood crosses, ventilation, etc., to the church building.
Kevin Van Sloten made a motion to request up to $22,000.00 from the Edward L. and Mary B Williams Foundation for the restoration of the church’s exterior brickwork, to include gentle cleaning, repointing, and in some areas replacement of previously installed non-matching brick with that matching the church. Also included in this motion a request of up to $22,000.00 for the exterior painting of the parish hall, to include preparation, priming and painting of the hall’s exterior doors, trim, windows, columns, etc., the bid included removal of multiple paint layers from the doors and much of the trim. John Chiasson seconded the motion. The motion carried Action taken: The vestry voted to request up to $22,000.00 from the Edward L. and Mary B. Williams Foundation for restoration of the church’s exterior brickwork to include gentle cleaning, repointing and in some areas replacement of previously installed non-matching brick with that matching the church, and a request of up to $22,000.00 for the exterior painting of the parish hall, to include preparation, priming and painting of the hall’s exterior doors, trim, windows, columns, etc., the bid included removal of multiple paint layers from the doors and much of the trim.
Urgent action item for John Chiasson to prioritize the list of expenses of monies needed for additional requests from the Edward L. and Mary B. Williams Foundation for the repairs and expenses to the buildings for the remainder of 2008.
Sanford Pankin led the vestry in devotions using The Vestry Resource Guide, he read 1st Corinthians 12: 12-27. Pray without ceasing, and asked each vestry member to state what they are thankful for.
Donna-Mae reminded us of those in the parish who need our prayers.
She announced we have several new comers to visit in the past month. A ”Neat Idea” is for vestry members to take at least 3 minutes to talk to someone we do not know following the services.
No Senior Warden report.
Junior Warden Report John Chiasson reported he has contacted a contractor to redo some duct work that is deteriorating, is proposing to have the floors in the parish hall refinished, and has made sure the refrigerator and freezer have been cleaned after the Summer Lunch Program.
Repair to the needlework in the Chapel is to be done by the person with whom we originally contacted in Maryland. Kevin Van Sloten said he could deliver it next time he goes on a business trip to the area.
Kick off Breakfast to be September 14; vestry members are to help with serving and clean-up. Baxter Simmons will cater the breakfast. Vestry members reminded to call care teams with invitation to come to the breakfast.
Lecture series continues with “Church Architecture and Worship in Sacred Places” on the third Tuesday each month. By Skip Hutton.
A mission bake sale is scheduled for September 21.
The J to A dinner and auction has been rescheduled to November 8, 2008.
Blessing of the Animals to be October 5, 2008 at the 10:30 service.
Minutes of previous meeting were approved with one correction.
Treasurers Report, Connie Heath reported we are at 65% of pledges received, which is about right for the month of September. Expenses for office supplies are over budget at this time. The Treasurer’s report was accepted as read.
Stewardship Committee: Betsy Clark asked what the vision of the parish is for our future at St. John’s. Stewardship theme for this year will be We Share, We Grow. A Stewardship Brunch is planned for October 12, 2008.
The Dr. Chuck Tacky light was passed from Kay Olson to Kevin Van Sloten.