The Vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Elizabeth City Parish, Hampton, Virginia met on August 10, 2010. The meeting was called to order by Reverend Donna-Mae Siderius at 6:35 pm. Vestry members present were Bob Harper, Senior Warden, Bettyrene Pope, Junior Warden, Kay Olson, registrar, Ruth Simmons, Bill Rhode, Parkie Rice, Dave Foster, Jay Hogg, Sukey Stephens, Kevin Van Sloten, Peggy Hayes, John Chiasson and Eddie Clark, Youth Representative. Also present were Connie Heath, Treasurer, the Reverend Bob Gay, the Reverend Anna Noon, and Ron and Carrie Quinn, guests.
Donna-Mae Siderius introduced the Reverend Anna Noon, our new Assistant Minister, who will have the primary responsibility for Christian Formation and Young Adult Ministries. Anna was born in Kentucky and attended the University of The South, majoring in music. She is a graduate of General Theological Seminary. She is looking forward to her ministry at St. John’s. The Vestry welcomes Anna into our “fold”.
Sukey Stephens gave the devotions and provided refreshments.
The Renovation Committee meeting report was presented by Bettyrene Pope. The committee met on July 15, 2010. Ron Quinn and John Chiasson had previously identified repairs to the church attic. A proposal was submitted by Premier Building concepts for this work. The committee members asked for the addition of protection of the organ and other potential dust issues that might occur during the project. A new proposal with the dust protection changes will be sought.
The roof was worked on last year and the warranty will be up in August. The Quinns will be in touch with the roofers and follow up on concerns about loose slate and flashing issues.
The committee members brought up that it is now time to bring an architect firm on board to facilitate the next phases of the renovation. The committee had much discussion and felt that Ron and Carrie Quinn of Q Designs PLC had devoted much effort, energy and time to the project and have a working knowledge of the desires of the parishioners.
The Renovation Committee recommends to the Vestry that Ron and Carrie Quinn of Q Designs PLC be hired as the architects for the future and further renovation of the church building. A proposal for the scope of the work will be sought.
The Quinns will remain members of the Renovation Committee and Bettyrene Pope and Jay Hogg will be the co-chairpersons of the committee.
Donna-Mae Siderius introduced guests Ron and Carrie Quinn, Co-Chairpersons of the Renovation Committee. Carrie Quinn gave a report on the status of the work that has been completed and the a summery of the scope of work that will have to be done in the future. Plans will be drawn up and the vestry will then vote on what is to be done and how the work will be funded. The process of drawing up plans will likely take up to a year to complete.
Ruth Simmons, Chairperson of the Stewardship Committee reported plans are underway. Jay Hogg will be co-chair. Ruth Simmons, Jay Hogg and Betsy Clark will work on putting together a Stewardship Campaign. It is the responsibility of the vestry to raise the money to fund the working budget of the church.
Vestry members have been assigned to visioning work groups for Goals and Objectives. Parishioners will be asked to join one of the groups so work can begin on the Visioning process for the future of St. John’s Church. More will be done at the next vestry meeting on how the process will take place.
Bob Harper, Senior Warden, reported the Wednesday Lunches have been going well and have been well received by the participants. Regarding Stewardship, Bob said that it is the vestry’s responsibility to raise funds, to be informed and to carry the message of Stewardship into the congregation. Bob is also looking into another trip for the “Seniors” of the church, possibly in September.
Bettyrene Pope, Junior Warden, reported all maintenance issues have been attended to as they arose. Future maintenance projects include:
Rebuilding the handicapped ramp outside the Parish House cost $3,500.00 Replacement of 3 doors in the Sunday School wing cost $325.00. Bettyrene Pope made a motion to ask the Endowment Board for approval of $3,825.00 to pay for the Handicapped Ramp and the replacement of 3 doors. The motion was seconded. The motion was approved. Action Taken: Bettyrene Pope made a motion to ask the Endowment Board for approval of $3,825.00 to pay for the Handicapped Ramp and the replacement of 3 doors. The motion was seconded. The motion was approved.
Deacon’s Report: Bob Gay reported Bishop Hollerith is looking into a plan to have a Deacon accompany him on parish visits. If this comes about Bob may be asked to accompany the Bishop a few Sunday’s out of the year.
The vestry approved the Letter of Agreement between St. John’s Episcopal Church and the Reverend Anna Catherine Noon. A signed copy will be attached to these minutes.
The vestry approved $29,000.00 of Reverend Noon’s compensation be designated for housing allowance according to IRS regulations ..
Action Taken: The vestry approved $29,000.00 of Reverend Noon’s compensation as housing allowance according to IRS regulations.
Reverend Siderius read excerpts from notes received from those who attended the July 10-11 services. All Feedback has been very good.
The Kick-off breakfast will be after the 8:00 am service on September 19 catered by Baxter Simmons and served by the vestry.
More events are planned for the remainder of the 400th anniversary year. A dinner catered by the youth with John Quarstein as speaker in October and The Poetry Society of Virginia will read in December. There will be a service of Lessons and Carols on December 12. In January ,2011, the Sole to Soul walks will give donations collected to charities at a dinner.
Minutes of the July meeting were approved as printed. The Financial Report was accepted as printed.
The mission “Tacky” light was given by Donna-Mae to Anna Noon.
Submitted by