Doug Miller, Senior Warden, called the vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Elizabeth City Parish, to order on January 19, 2016 at 6:37pm. Present were members Doug Miller, David Edmonson, Ann Templeman, The Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander, Val Bowen, Mary Pat Croft, Jess Miller, Thomas Miller, Bettyrene Pope, George Cornwell, The Reverend Mark Riley, Dan Clark, Kevin Eley and Linda Curtis
Samantha began the meeting with a reading.
Minutes from the November/December meeting were reviewed. Bettyrene made a few corrections in conjunction with the roof repairs on the church and the parish hall. The minutes were approved with the changes. Motion to approve by Linda Curtis and seconded by George Cornwell.
Treasurer’s Report
Linda reviewed the financial statements for 2015. The year ended with income greater than expenses. There is a surplus that includes $26,000 of prepaid 2016 pledges. Linda reviewed the balance sheet history to show the improvements. The proposed budget was reviewed. The money from the Nickerson Trust will be included in the budget to better reflect what the church gives to outreach. Samantha called Nancy James to get our owed diocesan pledge from past years. The diocese doesn’t keep the best records but it has been determined to be between 22,000 and 26,000. Dan Clark made a motion to send $5000 of the 2015 budget surplus to pay down the owed pledge, Bettyrene seconded it. The motion was approved. Mark was asked to step out of the meeting so his position could be discussed. It was decided to extend Mark’s stay through December 2016 and to increase his pay based on the revised rate Samantha proposed. This would be effective February 1, 2016. Doug made the motion to extend Mark this offer and Val seconded it. The motion was approved. Linda presented the 2016 budget based on the extension of Mark’s stay. Bettyrene made a motion to approve the budget with the changes made, Kevin seconded it and the motion approved.
Rector’s Report Samantha asked to defer the housing allowance approval to February. Samantha asked that Linda be added as a signer for diocesan investments so they can take money out of the funds. Doug made a motion to add Linda and Gwen as signers for diocesan investments, David seconded it and the motion passed. Samantha discussed the changes in the website. She will walk through the website at the annual meeting. On-line pledging is being investigated as well as an on-line directory. The members running for vestry are Bill Brown, Duncan Garnett and Rose Hobart. Evidently not everyone got the flyers on the vestry elections. The ushers are supposed to assemble the bulletins. Samantha will get Jen to remind usher heads to assemble bulletins.
Mark’s ordination will be held April 6th at St. John’s.
Covenant Conversation Several other parishioners’ viewpoints were reported and Samantha gave a review of the Censure of the Anglican Communion of the Episcopal Church. The vestry members gave their opinions. Doug made a motion for Samantha to preside over same gender marriages as approved at General Convention 2015 using the same standards she uses for heterosexual marriages. Linda seconded the motion. After the vote, the vestry could not reach a consensus. Samantha will compose a letter to send to the congregation informing them of the outcome.
Endowment Dan updated the vestry on the Endowment Board and the coordination of the Board with the Mary Williams Trust.
By-laws Val asked the officers to review their job descriptions for the by-laws. She also asked David Edmonson if he could review Article XIII which covers the indemnification of officers since he has experience with contracts.
The meeting was closed with prayer and we adjourned at 8:50 pm.
Submitted by Ann Templeman, registrar