The Vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Elizabeth City Parish, Hampton, Virginia met on March 9, 2010 in the parish hall. The meeting was called to order by The Reverend Donna-Mae Siderius at 6:35 PM. Vestry members present were Bob Harper, Senior Warden, Bettyrene Pope, Junior Warden, John Chiasson, Dave Foster, Peggy Hayes, Jay Hogg, Ruth Simmons, Sukey Stephens, and Kevin Van Sloten. Connie Heath—Treasurer, Bill Boyer—Finance Director, and Archdeacon Bill Jones, Bob Gay, and Esther Gay, guests were also present.
Donna -Mae welcomed our guests who explained their roles in the church. Bill Jones is responsible for vocational deacons who are called to servant ministry and bring the world into the church community. Bob Gay is retired from the Navy and from being a research director at Johns Hopkins. He started six and a half years ago to prepare for ministry with the homeless which is where he says God is calling him to be in his third career. Esther is Bob’s wife and supportive of his plan to be a vocational deacon. After they left, the vestry discussed Donna-Mae’s request to the diocese for a vocational deacon and our good fortune in having the opportunity to have Bob with us when he is ordained this spring.
Bill Boyer gave a presentation on the financial framework of St. John’s. He gave verbal and written descriptions of the funds and trusts. Discussion ensued. The Board of Managers of the Mary Williams Fund have been invited to the next vestry meeting.
Rector’s Report: The rector reminded us that each vestry member had a copy of the Parochial Report. Bettyrene Pope moved and Bob Harper seconded the motion that we accept the Parochial report. The motion was approved and the report was given to Connie Heath to sign.
Vestry care groups were assigned. Each vestry member is responsible for contacting members of their Care Group. Donna-Mae asked that she be informed of pastoral issues, Bill of budget issues, etc. Calls should be made prior to major events. Adult Forum is going well. People are coming who do not usually.
Bishop’s Day with the vestries will be this Saturday, March 13th for the East. Those attending will be John Chiasson, Dave Foster, Bob Harper, Peggy Hayes, Jay Hogg, Kay Olson, Bettyrene Pope, Parkie Rice, Bill Rhode, Ruth Simmons, and Sukey Stephens.
The TV coverage of our 400th celebration with Donna-Mae and Linda Mc Mahon was good.
Senior Warden’s Report: No report.
Junior Warden’s Report: Bettyrene is painting and refurbishing the ladies restroom. The sidewalk has been reworked and is smoother. Bettyrene also has an estimate to repair or redo the ramp because of uneven bricks. Outside lights on the Sunday School wing have been replaced. Hoffman House repairs have included fixing the lamp post and removing graffiti.
Renovation Committee: Bettyrene said the painters are back but may not finish this week due to rain. On Thursday, she will do a punch list with Higgins regarding the windows.
Donna-Mae reported on the dinner on July 10th. Vestal Lewis is working on the menu with the Crowne Plaza. Kim Shoemaker and Nancy LeCuyer will do hospitality and decorations. Ann Ward, Sylvia Edgar, and Donna-Mae Siderius are working on invitations. Donna-Mae is working with Conventions and Tourism and the City to see who should receive invitations. There is no budget for the 2010 celebrations, but there are some donations and funds.
Jay Hogg said HRT does not rent a trolley. Venture Tours has a forty seven passenger bus built like a trolley which will make loops to the Crowne Plaza from 6-10 PM on Saturday and then again on Sunday to the Virginia Air and Space Center for $550 per day which covers the driver and insurance. Bettyrene Pope and Dave Foster seconded that we appropriate $1,100 for this expense. The motion was approved.
The minutes for February 9, 2010 were approved with corrections.
Connie Heath gave the Treasurer’s report. She reviewed the Special Accounts and Other Designated Funds/Offerings. The report was approved. Connie asked that we purchase two Irish linen towels and twelve lava bowl towels. Money from the Memorial fund might be used. Details in Design in Williamsburg handles fine linens. Peggy Hayes moved and Bob Harper seconded the motion that they be purchased. The motion was approved.
Kevin Van Sloten asked if we are using the 1618 silver for the 2010 celebration. Donna- Mae Siderius said yes. Kevin then suggested that we get some of our current silver repaired or replaced.
Good of the Order: Bob Harper complimented Connie Heath and Lloyd Thomas on the training and mentoring they provide for the acolytes. Lloyd does the schedule, and Connie trains the newer acolytes. Emails are sent each week.
Sukey reported on Sole to Soul. She said that seven teams are officially registered. She mentioned that Jane Heiby has ideas for a mid point gathering.
Billie Einselen is working on getting docents to be in the Church during June, July, and August to take people through. The Church is currently open from 9 AM until noon on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. At other times, people may come to the office to seek entrance.
There was no tacky light exchange.
Submitted by Ruth Simmons in the absence of Kay Olson, Registrar.