Doug Miller, Senior Warden, called the vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Elizabeth City Parish, to order on March 15, 2016 at 6:40pm. Present were members Doug Miller, David Edmonson, Ann Templeman, The Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander, Val Bowen, Mary Pat Croft, Bettyrene Pope, The Reverend Mark Riley, Linda Curtis, Rose Hobart and Duncan Garnett. Absent from the meeting was Bill Brown.
Ann Templeman began the meeting with a Bible reading. A sign-up sheet was passed around for future Bible readings (attached).
Minutes from the February meeting were reviewed. Val made a motion to approve the minutes, Doug seconded the motion and it was approved.
Treasurer’s Report Linda reviewed the financials from February. February was a good month and financials have gotten back on track. Income is good, having received money from funds. Expenses were high but not unusual. Higher than expected pledges were received and non-pledge donations were up as well. The diocesan pledge was discussed and Nancy James, the financial officer for the Diocese confirmed that it has been paid down to $17,000. The vestry agreed that we want to continue to pay it down.
Rector’s Report Circle of Diversity- A program run by the city, this is the 2nd or 3rd year of doing it. Not a lot of prep time was given for planning. Emmanuel will participate with St. John’s. One of our churches will host it one evening. The program brings different faiths together for discussions and understanding of their faiths. So far a Mosque, Hindu Temple, two Baptist churches, Episcopal Church and a Community Christian Church are participating. It would be six weeks with orientation on March 29th. Samantha was still unsure of some of the details; she was going to find out more about the program and the expected commitment of those who signed up for it. Vestry Retreat- The retreat has been set for August 26/27 at the Manor House at Chanco. Stop Hunger Now- Has been scheduled for Sunday, June 5th after the 10:30 service. Ken Kline will be coordinating it. For the funding of the project, $1000 will come from the Nickerson Trust; $1000 will come from the Charitable Trust and $1000 from the parishioners. Forty volunteers are needed to package 10,000 meals. Lunch will be available for the volunteers and members will be encouraged to bring friends. Parochial Report- Samantha reviewed the Parochial Report which is basic information that the church collects and reports to the Diocese and then the Diocese reports the information to the National Church. Overall St. John’s gained 12 new people but lost 11 to death. Average Sunday attendance went down by 2. We are fighting against the current because the numbers for the city of Hampton are dropping – population, young families, education. It is going to take a lot of hard work to turn it around. For the last 15 years our numbers have gone down but now it appears we are at a plateau, keeping up with deaths and moves. We need to revisit the Vision document to see how that can help us reach new people. However, St. John’s is a healthy parish, we are doing well, our budget has increased and our savings has increased.
Mark discussed some ideas on programs to bring people to the church. He also discussed putting a film together of parishioners saying why they came to St. John’s. Vision Document- Samantha had asked us to review the visioning document and pick one or two things in the document that we liked. Evangelism was discussed and how so many of us were scared of that word. It is basically sharing your faith story and we are scared to talk about Jesus. The parishioners need to invite people to the church and not just the services but events like the Stop Hunger Now. Focus on evangelism and outreach. We need to pick something and do it well. If that doesn’t work, pick something else and do that well. Mark discussed getting speakers, someone we would like to hear similar to a Norfolk Forum, now people have a reason to come. Get people in the church on a day other than Sunday. Val discussed the Womankind Retreat she went to at St. James which was very well attended. At the next meeting, every member should come with one idea.
Jr. Warden Report
Normal maintenance was discussed. Bettyrene reviewed the Night’s Welcome numbers, 24-34 people stayed each evening. Another example of how our church can take on a huge effort with a small amount of people successfully. Bettyrene reported that one of the guests complimented the food at St John’s saying it was made with love. Kay Perry will be heading the summer lunch program.
Sr. Warden Report Will Olson was chosen by the youth to be the Youth Representative to the vestry. Doug presented the slate of officers for the vestry: Warden-Doug Miller, Jr. Warden-Bettyrene Pope, Treasurer (does not have to be a member of the Vestry)- Linda Curtis, Registrar-Ann Templeman. Doug asked if there were any nominations from the floor. Having none, Mary Pat made a motion to approve the slate of officers, Duncan seconded it and the motion carried. Doug encouraged everyone to think about being an officer next year.
By-laws – Val has heard from everyone and has rewritten the by-laws to make them more appropriate for St. John’s. David will email his comments to Val on the indemnification policy. It was suggested to look at the canons for the Diocese to see what they have for indemnification. No rush, but Samantha would like it accomplished this year.
April 6th is Mark’s ordination at St. John’s. He announced that he is 99% certain the Dean of the Virginia Seminary would be present and give the sermon.
The meeting was closed with prayer and we adjourned at 8:33 pm.
Submitted by Ann Templeman, registrar