The vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Elizabeth City Parish, was called to order on July 18, 2017 at 6:31 pm. Present were members David Edmonson, The Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander, Pat Dennehey, Bob Harper, Mary Pat Croft, Whiting Chisman Jr., Duncan Garnett, Rose Hobart, and Treasurer Linda Curtis. Absent were Bettyrene Pope, and The Reverend Mark Riley.
Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander opened with Scripture from Romans 8:12-25 and a discussion of understanding how suffering can help us know God in a different way.
Check In and Absences Bettyrene Pope out sick and Reverend Mark Riley out on vacation.
Treasurer’s Report
Linda went over the financials for June and noted the following:
Income from pledge and non-pledge offerings still looking good. Loose plate was down due to an adjustment for splitting Loose Plate on the first Sunday of the month with part of that money going to the Diocesan Fund, but still up for the year. Other source of income was from a draw down from the Perpetual Honor Fund. So far we have not had to take money from reserves or Hoffman House to help supplement income. Expenses were good for June. Couple of non-routine expenses: $231.00 for Workman’s Comp., cost for the removal of a couple of dead animals from under the Parish House, and a roof repair bill paid with money from the Mary Williams Trust and approved by Jim Shoemaker.
Received money from the Ann Ward’s Estate which will show up in July numbers. Disbursements in May: Mothers’ Day expense of a $1000.00 (which was raised with donations from congregation). Youth went on retreat to Massanutten which was a $2600.00 expense. Youth Yard sale helped fund part of this trip. Youth took in $1900.00. Credited the Sabbatical Fund and Diocesan Repayment from Loose Plate. Started monthly payments (as opposed to quarterly) to pension fund. Paid 3rd quarter of property insurance. Up to date on Diocesan Pledge.
Minutes from June 20, 2017 Vestry meeting were reviewed. No corrections. Motion was made by Duncan Garnett to accept minutes, seconded by Rosemary Hobart. Motion was approved.
Rector’s Report
Due to a date change in the Annual Council Meeting next February we need another alternate to attend.
Received several quotes concerning sign refurbishment. One was from the person who made the signs in 2004. His estimate is between $1800.00 and $2000.00. Another quote from someone who did the signage for Town Bank for $5000.00. We will request that the Endowment will cover expense of refurbishment once we have a firm quote. Have looked at other churches to get ideas. Would like to add directional signs to direct visitors coming to St. John’s. Need more research which Patrick Dennehey will look into.
Looked some more into playgrounds. Asked Shannon Olson, Christian Formation director, to help with research. David Edmonson agreed to touch base with Shannon.
Will send out information concerning Vestry Retreat in August.
Looking for someone to handle communications. Betsy Bouchard is the staff person currently handling this task, but will be leaving in a couple of years and would like to be out of this position by the end of this year. Maintaining this position would require an increase in pledge money. Vestry sees the need to keep this position not only for the sake of our communications, but to keep the office open 5 days a week.
Assistant Rector’s Report
Out on vacation
Junior Warden Report
Bob Harper reported for Bettyrene Pope. Ice maker needed repair. Concern of whether volunteers are covered by Church’s Insurance in case of accident. Need to look at insurance policy closer.
Senior Warden Report
Bob Harper met with Q Design along with Whiting Chisman Jr., Doug Miller, Bettyrene Pope, and Rev. Samantha Vincent Alexander. Will have a presentation in September with Vestry to discuss costs and what Mary Williams Trust will be able to help with in regards to funding before it goes out to bid. Whiting Chisman Jr. recommends that all work be done at once.
No Vestry meeting in August.
New Business
Rosemary Hobart – Work needs to be done on Stewardship letter.
Duncan Garnett – Planned giving has met and excited with making planned giving part of church culture.
Discussion for the need to have people trained in CPR in case of an emergency.
Samantha closed with Prayer and Compline.
Meeting adjourned at 7:43 pm
Submitted by Patrick Dennehey, Registrar