The vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Elizabeth City Parish, was called to order on April 18, 2017 at 6:31 pm. Present were members David Edmonson, Bettyrene Pope, The Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander, Pat Dennehey, Bob Harper, Mary Pat-Croft, Whiting Chisman Jr., Duncan Garnett, Rose Hobart, Youth Rep. Will Olson, and Treasurer, Linda Curtis. Absent were Bill Brown and The Reverend Mark Riley.
Bettyrene Pope opened with Scripture from John 13:34.
Check In and Absences People felt very good about Holy Week and Easter.
It was noted that Bill Brown was absent due to a previous commitment.
Treasurer’s Report
Linda went over the financials for March and noted the following:
- Income was up for the quarter but would probably level out by end of April.
- Money from Hoffman House and reserve has not been moved into operating budget yet but will be if needed. Hopefully we will not need to use the surplus in the Hoffman House account.
- Expenses are under budget for the year and the month.
- Pledges are up for year overall as well as non-pledge giving.
- There was nothing unusual in expenses this month.
- Interest expense from taxes was not paid on time but is being reimbursed and will show up as credit next month.
- $7,200 will be disbursed from the Outreach Budget to Stop Hunger, Andrews School and The Downtown Lunch Program.
- Money from Outreach Fund will also go to Downtown Lunch and Nights Welcome.
- Hoffman house is doing well.
Question came up concerning who does the 1099 Form. Linda replied that the Bookkeeper does this form which Vestry can see and Linda signs the 1099 on behalf of the church.
The March 21, 2017 Vestry minutes were reviewed. Bob Harper entertained a motion that the minutes be approved, Whiting Chisman Jr. made the motion and it was seconded by Duncan Garnett. Minutes were approved.
Rector’s Report
Samantha went over the Committee Assignments for Vestry Members. They are as follows:
- Stewardship – Rosemary Hobart
- Evangelism/ Newcomer Ministry – Mary Pat Croft
- Outreach – Bettyrene Pope and Rev. Mark Riley
- Christian Formation/ Youth – David Edmonson
- Liturgy – Pat Dennehey
- Finance/ Planned Giving – Duncan Garnett and Whiting Chisman Jr.
- Inreach – Rosemary Hobart
No need for a monthly report but members are encouraged to contact the Committee Chair each month to see how things are going and what help if any may be needed.
After looking at both National and Diocesan Canons. It was determined that the rector is a member of the Vestry. Nothing could be found with regards to the rules around breaking of a tie so that is being stricken from our By-Laws.
Hampton Block Party is coming up and we have a slot to help. Any tips go to the organization. The number of volunteers needed depends on the venue we are assigned to which we are not sure of yet.
Vestry Retreat is going on at the same time as Family Week so motel rooms may not be available. Watson is available.
Assistant Rector’s Report
No report as Mark was getting ready for a trip to Israel. Stop Hunger Now still a go.
Junior Warden Report
Normal maintenance attended to. New LED’s in West and South vestibules, timers on microwave, coffee pot and on computer screens in the offices, and replacing light switches to sensor switches around the Parish House and in the Church.
Senior Warden Report
Parish House proposal was sent back to Q Design with comments presented by Duncan Garnett where it was rewritten and Bettyrene Pope and Bob Harper signed the revised proposal. Bob Harper is drafting a letter to Mary Williams Trust requesting funds for this project. Whiting Chisman Jr. asked about repainting of Sunday School building. Whiting Chisman Jr. also wanted to know if the Junior Warden is going to directly oversee the work being done by subcontractors or if a general contractor is being hired to oversee all subcontractor work. Mary Williams Trust would like to see a General Contractor hired and they would be responsible for hiring what subcontractors are needed as well as overseeing their work. It was suggested an addendum be added to the contract asking Q Design to seek proposals from several contractors to do this work. Whiting Chisman Jr. is going to Q Design to add this to the contract at no extra charge. A motion was called by Bob Harper and Duncan Garnett moved the Vestry contact Q Design to secure their agreement through an addendum such that they will present to the Vestry, bids from general contractors that Q Design recommends and accepted by the Vestry to do the work. This was seconded by Whiting Chisman Jr. Motion carried and Whiting Chisman Jr. will carry this to request to Q Design.
We are also asking to look for other opportunities to work with the downtown Churches besides our annual Walk with the Cross on Good Friday.
Other Business
New Business
Samantha explained that young adult Pilgrimages were being replaced with more outings closer to home and with a more spiritual nature. This will happen in June.
Samantha closed with prayer.
Meeting adjourned at 7:16 pm
Submitted by Patrick Dennehey, Registrar