The Vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Elizabeth City Parish, Hampton Virginia met on October 14, 2008. The Reverend Donna-Mae Siderius opened the meeting at 7:00 PM. Present were Parkie Rice, Megan Tiller, Betsy Clark, Bob Harper, Senior Warden, Whit McKinney, Sanford Pankin, John Chiasson, Junior Warden, Kevin Van Sloten, Kevin Eley and Kay Olson, Registrar. Also present were The Rev. James L. Hutton, Connie Heath, Treasurer, Bill Boyer, Representing the Finance Committee, Bob Shuford, Trustee and Bill Saunders, Fund Advisor of the Cemetery Committee.
Betsy Clark led the devotions “Stewardship. As a group vestry members need to help people understand what stewardship is. How do we grow disciples? How do we apply our faith?” Discussion was lively and informative.
Guests Bob Shuford and Bill Saunders were introduced and gave us an inside look at the cemetery of St. John’s Parish. The report presented included some history of St. John’s cemetery. The cemetery was at one time the only burial place for the citizens of Hampton , not just the parishioners of the church. Those buried here who have relatives that sometimes call or visit the church office for information regarding location of a burial site. The cemetery is an antiquity with monetary needs for it’s future upkeep. The committee will look into having a brochure made with information pertaining to the cemetery that can be given to visitors or mailed to relatives of those buried in St. John’s cemetery. Donations are welcome and can be a way to memorialize a deceased love one, in lieu of flowers. There are some plots still available to members of St. John’s Church.
Bill Boyer is to call and talk to Bill Mace asking him to write about the cemetery for articles for the monthly newsletter.
Donna-Mae Siderius gave names of those in the hospital and of prayer concerns of other parishioners.
Vestry members were reminded of the “three minute rule.” Talk to someone you do not know after the church service for the first three minutes following the service .
Bill Boyer and Connie Heath represented the Finance committee and presented the proposed budget for 2009 to the vestry for approval. After much discussion, Bob Harper made a motion to add $7,700.00 to the budget to cover adding funds for a Sabbatical fund, clergy continued education, salary for the administrator, and salaries for the sextons. The motion was seconded by Megan Tiller, The motion carried. ACTION TAKEN: The vestry passed a motion to increase the proposed budget by $7,700.00.
The vestry passed the budget presented by the Finance Committee and revised by the vestry.
The Renovation Committee has awarded contracts for the roof study and brick work to the church building and the painter for work on the exterior of the parish house.
Junior Warden’s report: John Chiasson reported that 5 exterior doors on the parish house will have to be replaced due to irreparable damage inflicted over the years. This will cost approximately $10,000.00. The vestry passed a motion to replace the parish house doors.
Night’s welcome will be December 6th -13th. A meeting is scheduled for Monday November 24 at 7 P.M. in parish hall for training and to discuss requirements for a successful week.
Senior Warden’s Report:
Bob Harper reported he received a letter from the Budget Committee of the Diocese of Southern Virginia to all churches in the diocese to pledge 9% of their budget to the Diocese of Southern Virginia operating budget. St. John’s pledge to the Diocese exceeds the 9% requirement and will stand at $41,100.00 as proposed by the Finance Committee. Whit McKinney made a motion to accept the amount of $41,100.00 to be our pledge to the Diocese of Southern Virginia for the year 2009. Betsy Clark seconded the motion. Vestry voted to pass the motion. Action Taken: The vestry voted to accept the amount of $41,100.00 as its pledge to the Diocese of Southern Virginia for the year 2009.
Rector’s Report: Donna-Mae Siderius reported that she and Harper will be at CREDO fall conference October 19 thru October 27.
On November 2, a budget conversation will be offered between the services.
On November 16, a planning meeting concerning the 2010 celebration will be held following the 10:30 am service.
A letter was received from Mrs. Elizabeth (Skeeter) Brauer concerning a monument to be erected in the cemetery. This request was sent to the Cemetery Committee for its recommendation of the request.
Associate Rector’s Report
Skip will be out of town. Sunday, October 19, to officiate in the burial of his Aunt Jane Trummel. His next lecture will continue on Slavery.
Treasurer’s Report:
Connie Heath reported a low balance of $1,591.88 as of the 14th of October. The pledges should be at 75% and are at 72% presently.
The treasurers report was accepted as presented.
The minutes of the September meeting were approved with one correction (the spelling of Kevin Eley’s name).
Good of the order, Name tags for vestry members have been ordered.
There were no tacky lights to be presented.
Skip closed the meeting with prayer at 10: 10PM.
Kay Olson, Registrar