Bob Harper called the March meeting of the Vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Elizabeth City Parish, to order at 6:39pm. Present were Bob Harper – Senior Warden, John Chiasson, Connie Heath – Treasurer, Brian McMahon – Registrar, Bill Brown, Charlie Edmonson, Sylvia Edgar, Dave Foster, Kay Olson, Carrie Quinn, Bill Rhode, Sandy Smith, Mark Stephens, and Ian Edgar – Youth Representative. Staff members present were The Rev. Dr. Paul “Peter” Hogg – Interim Rector, The Rev. Anna Noon – Assistant Rector, and The Rev. Bob Gay – Deacon. Guests present were The Rev. Rick Willis – Vestry Retreat Facilitator and Bettyrene Pope – Finance Committee Representative.
Opening Remarks & Prayer
Bob Harper welcomed the Vestry and thanked David Foster for the snacks. David Foster gave the opening prayer.
“Check-in”
The Rev. Dr. Hogg asked for personal reflection and intercessions.
Introduction of The Rev. Rick Willis
The Rev. Dr. Hogg introduced The Rev. Rick Willis as the facilitator for the Vestry Retreat on March 16-17, 2012, and distributed his biography. The Vestry in turn introduced themselves. The Rev. Willis led the Vestry in a discussion of what the Vestry may expect as results from the retreat.
Approval of Minutes
In the Minutes of February 7, 2012, under item “Vestry Reports”, Sandy Smith recommended the word “deficit” be added in between the “the” and “2012” in the fourth sentence of the third paragraph.
Under the item “Vestry Reports”, third paragraph, fourth sentence, Sandy Smith recommended the word “deficit” be added between the “the” and “2012”. Dave Foster moved the minutes be approved as amended. Carrie Quinn seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Old Business
None.
2012 Vestry Elections and Chair Appointments
Results:
- Bettyrene Pope is reappointed to the Renovation Committee.
- John Chiasson was elected Junior Warden
- Charlie Edmonson was elected Senior Warden. Bob Harper will continue as Sr. Warden for the remainder of the meeting.
- Brian McMahon was elected Registrar
- Doug Miller will remain Search Committee Chair
- Dan Clark was recommended as Stewardship Chair.
- Bob Harper will be the Chair and, therefore, the Vestry representative on the Finance Committee.
Vestry Committee and Staff Reports
Bettyrene Pope, Interim Chair for the Finance Committee, provided the report prepared by the Finance Committee with changes recommended. Mark Stephens expressed concern the Outreach Committee was not empowered to distribute all funds attributed to Outreach, but only had a single $5000.00 line item in the budget from which funds could be used. The Rev. Bob Gay agreed the Outreach Committee should have full discretion over all funds marked for outreach. The Vestry agreed that the Outreach Committee should be empowered to distribute funds and will revisit the rules soon. Bill Brown moved the Vestry keep the budget that was already approved in February. Mark Stephens seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Bob Harper provided a brief statement that the Search Committee will have their report after the survey results have been evaluated.
Bettyrene Pope provided the Junior Warden’s report as written.
There was no report from The Rev. Dr. Hogg or The Rev. Noon.
The Rev. Bob Gay distributed a letter stating the Bishop of the Diocese of Southern Virginia has reassigned The Rev. Gay to Bruton Parish in Williamsburg beginning in July. His last Sunday will be May 27, 2012.
Visioning Action Group Reports
There were no reports from the Visioning Action Groups. Instead the Vestry discussed and appointed vestry replacements in each group.
- Worship: Charlie Edmonson and Sandy Smith will replace Peggy Hayes and Erin Pfeil.
- In-reach: Carrie Quinn will replace Jay Hogg.
- Christ Centered Learning: Sylvia Edgar and Ian Edgar will replace Bettyrene Pope and Rachel Pankin.
- Outreach: Kay Olson will replace Sukie Stevens.
New Business
Bob Harper and The Rev. Dr. Hogg provided an overview of the Annual meeting presentations. The budget presentation will give an overview of the “deficit budget” to the parishioners and state the Finance Committee will be working to find ways to resolve or reduce the impact of the deficit. Details of the budget will be available for the congregation after the meeting. There will be updates from other committees and the Visioning Action Groups.
Good of the Order
Sandy Smith showed a prayer shawl she received. In addition, she highlighted a speaker program at St. Paul’s, Richmond titled “Building Community during Challenging Times.” She also related that a 3-year old, whose family is new to St. John’s, upon seeing the outside of the church, exclaimed, “That’s my church.”
Brian McMahon will provide the opening prayer and refreshments for the April meeting.
The meeting concluded with a prayer by The Rev. Dr. Hogg at 9:39.
Brian McMahon Registrar
6 Attachments:
- The Rev. Rick Willis Biography
- Proposed 2012 Budget (Amended)
- Finance Committee Report
- Renovation Committee Report w/1 Atch
- Junior Warden’s Report
- The Rev. Gay’s Letter