MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
VESTRY OF ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
ROANOKE, VIRGINIA
JUNE 16, 2008
(subject to approval)
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by the Rev. Barkley Thompson at 7 pm in the Fourth Floor Conference Room.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Robert Brailsford, Jen Brothers, Wayles Dandridge, Gates DeHart, Jan Garrett, Cheri Hartman, Ginny Jarrett, Shirley Kingery, David Lake, John Levin, Patti Palmer, Martha Parrott, Tom Schroeder.
MEMBERS ABSENT
David Dixon, Jay Irons, Sarah Belle Parrott, Nancy Peake, Dan Summerlin.
Also present were the Rev. Barkley Thompson, Rector; St. Jon Clark, summer Intern; Ann Muir Moomaw; Parish Administrator; and David Charles Campbell, Minister of Music.
Cheri Hartman presented the opening devotions.
MINUTES
It was moved and seconded to approve the May minutes as presented. The motion PASSED.
RECTOR’S REPORT
Barkley referred us to the Christian Education Calendar which has been developed for the coming fall. (attached)
He introduced St. Jon Clark who is an intern from Hollins University. She will be working during the summer with Evan Hines to revamp the St. John’s web site, visit nursing homes, and help us with liturgical worship.
Barkley announced that Blair Wilner will be assisting Mary Stafford with the Middle School Youth. He will encourage the rising 6th graders to participate and incorporate into the group.
Barkley gave a report on the Lost Lambs committee. This committee has met twice and is charged with trying to reconnect with parishioners who have fallen out of involvement with St. John’s. They are requesting that the Vestry make a series of calls to all parishioners to ask for feedback on their experience with the church. Are we meeting their needs? Each Vestry member was provided with a list to call. The results are due at the August Vestry meeting.
ASSISTANT RECTOR’S REPORT
Barkley reported for Chip Graves who is on vacation. Approximately 200 Outreach surveys have been completed to date and several new volunteers have come on board.
There will be a Commissioning of the Ghana missioners on July 29 at the Gathering
service and Barkley encouraged everyone to attend.
Welcome Back Sunday is September 14.
SENIOR WARDEN’S REPORT
John Levin reported that the History Committee has been revitalized with Mary Green as Chair.
He announced that our August meeting will include a walk through of the Church.
He continues to write thank you notes and congratulatory letters on behalf of the Parish.
JUNIOR WARDEN’S REPORT
Ginny Jarrett gave the results of the Mutual Ministry Review in the absence of Sarah Belle Parrott. (attached). Gates DeHart gave the results of Goal 5 as it was compiled in a smaller group setting. (attached)
TREASURER’S REPORT
Tom Schroeder presented the May financials. (attached)
ACTION ITEM
It was moved and seconded to approve the May financials as presented. The motion PASSED.
Tom discussed the method of payment during construction.
ACTION ITEM
It was moved and seconded to have the Church Committee Chair and either the Treasurer of the Vestry or the Assistant Treasurer of the Vestry approve the payments for church construction during the church and organ renovations. If the Church Committee Chair is unavailable, then one of the sub Chairs of the Church Committee may approve on the Church Committee Chair’s behalf.
The motion PASSED.
The staff was excused from the meeting for a discussion of the Rector’s Letter of Agreement. Tom reported that earlier in the year, Robert Brailsford had been charged with researching clergy compensation. Robert used national, regional, and diocesan material for this process. It was discovered that St. John’s is deficient in our compensation and needs to bring Barkley’s salary into a median range from a low range. The matter was thoroughly discussed.
ACTON ITEM
It was moved and seconded that, effective July 1, 2008; we bring the rector’s salary into compliance with the median level of the 2008 Diocesan guidelines. The motion PASSED.
The staff returned to the meeting.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
VISIONING COMMITTEE
David Lake reported that he has sent a letter to all committees requesting that he be invited to a meeting for the purpose of including the Vision statement in our processes. So far he has visited the Celebration Arts committee and the Finance Committee. He is going to the Community Living Club soon.
PARISH LIFE COMMITTEE
David Lake reported that the Parish Life Committee is losing some members and needs new members. They provide food for 2 Gatherings a month, Community Living Club dinners, funeral services when needed, and all other functions. A new cleaning service is being investigated and there is a need for new microwaves. Sara Brooks is the Chair.
SMALL GROUPS
Shirley Kingery spoke to us about the Foyer Groups which will begin in September. Barkley encouraged us all to participate.
PROPERTY
In the absence of Jay Irons, Tom Schroeder reported that we are working to incorporate Elm Manor into the Property Committee. Sam Darby is investigating a survey and easement for the retaining wall that has been erected on Church property.
USHERS
John Levin reported that 75 women, men, and some youth serve as ushers - welcoming and facilitating our services. There will be four teams for the four services in the fall. There is a designated team for the Gathering and funerals.
VERGERS
Barkley reported that the Vergers will have a training session in the fall. David Todd is the Chair.
WELCOME
Barkley reported for Chip that the name tags are going well thanks to Pat Lindsey. The Parish Directory will be out soon and we have received 1,000 brochures as part of the directory package. These will be distributed in various ways.
WORSHIP
Barkley reported on the service change for the fall. It had been thoroughly discussed with Julie Danstrom and David Charles Campbell prior to making the decision to go to four services.
A transition committee has begun to meet to plan the use of our space during the church renovations. Nancy Peake, Sara Brooks, Ann Muir Moomaw, and David Charles Campbell are the members.
YOUTH
Jen Brothers reported that the Youth committee is in need of new leadership. There will be a meeting on July 2 and she hopes that new leadership will arise from that. They will help Mary Stafford to revamp the committee and to establish a good vision and structure for the future. Jen reminded us that there is currently no money in the budget for Youth.
JOHN SYLVESTER - JOHNSON DISCERNMENT
Dick Grayson is the Chair for this group and he will submit a report in August.
PERSONNEL
Barkley reported that Lisa Graves is trained to train others in the area of Child Abuse Prevention. We have in house training for anyone working with Youth including CYP tutors.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Wayles Dandridge requested 2 Vestry greeters for each night of Vacation Bible School. It is July 14 - 18 from 5:30 - 8 pm. 10 greeters are needed and a sign up sheet was distributed. The theme is Bible School Musical and there will be something for adults also.
There is a Pastoral Care meeting at 9:15 am on June 19th.
The Parish Picnic is on Sunday, June 21 at the Garst’s Pond.
Gates DeHart reported that the Walk-a-Thon for Interfaith Hospitality raised $9,000.
Our next meeting will be August 18th. There is no meeting in July
BLESSING AND DISMISSAL
The meeting was adjourned at 8:50.
