The Vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Elizabeth City Parish, met on October 20, 2009. The Reverend Donna-Mae Siderius opened the meeting at 6:35pm. Present were Bob Harper, Senior Warden, Bettyrene Pope, Junior Warden, Kay Olson, Registrar, Suzanna Stephens, Jay Hogg, Ruth Simmons, Charlie Edmonson, Peggy Hayes, Kevin Eley, Nick McMahon, and Connie Heath, Treasurer. Guests present were Linda McMahon and George Cornwell.
Linda McMahon, Chair of the 2010 Committee was present to give a report on 2010 celebration plans. Linda reported that there are “Pop up Opportunities,” suggestions that are made somewhat regularly. One such “Pop up Opportunity” happened with an idea from George Cornwell regarding the planting of bulbs where the shrubbery has been removed. George presented “The time to plant some bulbs is nigh.” This is a plan to plant daffodil and tulip bulbs this fall for blooming in spring around the church. Mr. Cornwell asked for an amount of $300.00 for the purchase of bulbs and fertilizer so the items may be purchased now for planting in November. Charlie Edmonson made the motion to fund the money for the planting of bulbs. Jay Hogg seconded the motion. The motion carried. Action Taken: Charlie Edmonson made the motion to fund the money for the planting of bulbs. Jay Hogg seconded the motion. The motion carried.
Mrs. McMahon continued the report by stating that St. John’s is getting publicity about the 2010 celebrations through publications of the Hampton Visitors Center advertisements and in the “Jamestown Cross”. The commemoratives committee will have items available for sale on November 15 at the Annual Parish Meeting. The Memory Book is filling up with articles. Continue to send in memories to Melodye Dorst or the church office. Reverend Siderius has received written confirmation that the Presiding Bishop, The Most Reverend Dr. Katharine Jefferts Schori, will be in attendance on July 11, 2010.
Kay Olson presented devotions “Servants and Leaders.” Kay also provided refreshments.
The minutes of the September meeting were approved as corrected.
Connie Heath, treasurer, reported the plate and pledge offerings as of the end of September were down by approximately $5,000.00. This deficit is usual for the end of summer and beginning of the fall season.
If the Finance committee has not finished its proposed budget by the next vestry meeting, a special vestry meeting may have to be called to approve the 2010 proposed budget of the church.
The Stewardship Campaign begins Sunday October 25, 2009 with the first episode of the “Generation to Generation” and will continue for the next three Sundays, concluding on November 15.
Night’s Welcome plans are coming along and a meeting of volunteers will be scheduled in the very near future.
Junior Warden’s Report: Bettyrene Pope has purchased new light fixtures for installation in the office hallway, the ladies’ bathroom, and the primary class classroom. These lights need replacement as soon as possible.
Batteries have been replaced in several of the smoke alarms in the Parish House. Air conditioner filters have been replaced in the Parish House.
The alarm systems continue to be monitored and Bettyrene is called upon to check out the problems.
A lock has been placed on the top cabinet in the small parish hall at the request of the 2010 Commemoratives Committee for the storage of items to be purchased.
Plans are being made to replace the tile floor and remodel the handicap restroom, and to remodel the ladies restroom in the Sunday school wing. The remodel will allow for the installation of a washer and dryer which was donated to the church a few years ago. The carpet in the nursery needs to be replaced. Mrs. Pope is suggesting that an approximate sum of $6,000.00 be requested from the Endowment Fund to fund these projects. Bob Harper made a motion to ask the Endowment Fund for $6,000.00 to fund for remodeling the handicap restroom, the ladies restroom and replacement of carpet in the nursery. The motion was seconded by Jay Hogg. The Motion passed. Action taken: Bob Harper made a motion to ask the Endowment Fund for $6,000.00 to remodel the handicap restroom, the ladies restroom and replacement of carpet in the nursery. The motion was seconded by Jay Hogg. The Motion passed.
Other maintenance items are attended to as they arise.
Bettyrene is tentatively thinking of scheduling a cleanup for the church and grounds on Saturday November 14th.
Senior Warden’s Report: Bob Harper read a letter from Art Spooner, Treasurer and Administrator of the Diocese, regarding the diocesan guidelines for pledges to the diocese from congregations. Bishop Hollerith recommends all parishes give 10% of their pledge and plate offering to the diocese for the annual budget of the Diocese of Southern Virginia. This would bring our pledge to the Diocese to $43,334.80. Bob Harper made a motion to recommend to the Finance Committee that the line item for the pledge to the Diocese of Southern Virginia be in the amount of $43,334.80. Ruth Simmons seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Action Taken: Bob Harper made a motion to recommend to the Finance Committee that the line item for the pledge to the Diocese of Southern Virginia be in the amount of $43,334.80. Ruth Simmons seconded the motion. The motion passed.
The Senior’s trip to Christ Church is scheduled for Saturday October 24.
The First Annual Parish Family Day at Gosnold Hope Park is Sunday October 25, from 3 pm to 6 pm.
Bob recommended the vestry members read the articles in the Daily Press Newspaper concerning the plight of the homeless in our area.
Rector’s Report: The Reverend Donna-Mae Siderius reported on the Annual Parish Meeting to be held on November 15, 2009. There will be one service at 9:00 AM and the meeting will take place following the service. Reverend Siderius asked the vestry to get in touch with their care groups to remind them about this important meeting in our parish. Business will include reports from:
- The 2010 Committee on what to expect in the coming months.
- Updates from the Renovations Committee.
- Reports from the Visioning Committee with a parishioner assessment questionnaire prepared by the Reverend Larry Crowell, facilitator of the committee.
Ten people have signed to go on the Mission Trip to New Orleans. The Mission Committee has asked for approval to use funds from the Nickerson trust to support the mission trip and to donate funds to St. Paul’s Church in Newport News in support of their feeding programs. Bob Harper made a motion to take $1,000.00 from the Nickerson Fund for the Mission Trip and to take $3,000.00 from the Nickerson Fund to help support St. Paul’s Church’s feeding ministry. The motion carried. Action taken: Bob Harper made a motion to take $1,000.00 from the Nickerson Fund for the Mission Trip and to take $3,000.00 from the Nickerson Fund to help support St. Paul’s Church’s feeding ministry. The motion carried.
The mission tacky light was passed from Bettyrene Pope to Kay Olson.
Submitted by
Kay Olson, registrar
Linda McMahon, Chair of the 2010 Committee was present to give a report on the 2010 celebration plans. Linda reported that there are “Pop up Opportunities” suggestions that are made somewhat regularly. One such “Pop up Opportunity” happened with the removal of shrubbery around the church building and that was an idea from George Cornwell. George presented “The time to plant some bulbs is nigh” this is a plan to plant daffodil and tulip bulbs this fall for blooming in spring around the church. Mr. Cornwell asked for an amount of $300.00 for the purchase of bulbs and fertilizer so the items may be purchased now for planting in November. Charlie Edmonson made the motion to fund the money for the planting of bulbs, Jay Hogg seconded the motion. The motion carried. Action Taken: Charlie Edmonson made the motion to fund the money for the planting of bulbs, Jay Hogg seconded the motion. The motion carried.