Charles Edmonson, Senior Warden, called the vestry of St. John‘s Episcopal Church, Elizabeth City Parish to order at 6: 30 pm. Present were Dan Clark, Junior Warden, Linda Curtis, Treasurer, Kay Olson, Registrar, Brian McMahon, Ann Templeman, Sylvia Edgar, George Cornwell, Vestal Lewis, Valerie Bowen and Doug Miller. Clergy present: The Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander. Kevin Eley and Dan Clark were absent.
Ann Templeman read the Psalm and led the opening prayer.
Minutes of the April meeting were approved as corrected
Discussion was held on the possibility of selling individual bricks to parishioners, with the idea of making a focal point between the church and parish house with the bricks; money raised could be used to purchase furnishings for the renovated tower. If this is approved the vestry will need to get someone to chair or head a committee to sell the bricks.
Charlie Edmonson discussed a need to set a date for the dedication of the renovated tower. A date was not set at this meeting.
Pledge keeper discussion was tabled until next meeting
Sylvia gave a report on some of the strange things the Heritage group is discovering in the Beverly Gundry room. She had a box of bone pieces excavated from the 2nd site of St. John’s Church property that they had Scott Curtis examine, Scott said that there was a mixture of human and animal bones in the box. She also had a small ring box that was lighted when opened (wondering why something like that had been kept as a memento.) There have been other “finds” that have historical value and are being catalogued.
A report on the Downton Abby Lady’s tea was that it was a lovely tea and those attending enjoyed it very much. There was also two couples from Britain visiting the church that day they were invited to join the ladies at the tea table. The ladies did raise money to benefit the Garden Guild.
Rector’s Report: Samantha reported there was a walk thru of the renovated tower and some things were found that need to be corrected before the final walk thru.
A resignation letter from interim Parish Administer Bettyrene Pope was read. Samantha said there are a two parishioners who have expressed interest in applying for the position.
Vestry retreat: Forming Ministry Groups was the central focus of business during the retreat.
Ministry Groups
- Administration: Stewardship, Building and grounds, Garden Guild, Heritage and Finance.
- Spiritual Life: Prayer, Worship, Music, Youth and Christian Formation
- Connection to Others: Pastoral Care, In-Reach, Outreach, Communication and Evangelism (Newcomers)
Vestry liaison persons are as follow:
- Administration: Charlie Edmonson, Linda Curtis, Dan Clark, Sylvia Edgar
- Spiritual Life: Ann Templeman, Kay Olson, Kevin Eley
- Connection to Others: George Cornwell, Valerie Bowen, Vestal Lewis, Doug Miller
Vestry members stated they have been approached by parishioners to have the one summer service at 9:30 AM instead of 9:00 AM. The vestry decided to move the service to 9:30 AM.
A Mutual Ministry Review will be held on a week night sometime in mid-June; date to be determined.
Doug Miller presented a report from the committee formed to look into the J to A guidelines. Future J to A programs will follow all the guidelines set forth by this committee and St. John’s Episcopal Church. The vestry approved the Committee’s guidelines. Further discussion was held on future pilgrimages going to foreign countries. A motion was made by Doug Miller and seconded by Vestal Lewis that the pilgrimages of St. John’s Youth be restricted to the 48 continental states. The motion passed.
An inquiry was made as to the insurance coverage for the upcoming pilgrimage to Ireland, Linda Curtis stated the coverage St. John’s has in place is what is recommended by the Diocese.
Greg Brauer is analyzing the sound system in the church and will have a report on upgrades that may need to be made to the system.
Doug Miller presented an audit report on the Mary Williams Trust.
Linda Curtis attended an Administrative and Financial Practices Workshop. For St. John’s financial practices to be in line with the diocesan guidelines all monies should be run through the church accounts, with documentation to support all transactions, including the Rector’s Discretionary account, the ECW, and the Men’s Group.
Doug Miller made a motion seconded by Sylvia Edgar to adjourn.
Ann Templeman closed with prayer.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:45 pm
Kay Olson, registrar