The Vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Elizabeth City Parish, was called to order on February 20, 2018 at 6:30 pm. Present were members Ruth Simmons , Stephen Rous, David Edmonson, The Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander, The Reverend Mark Riley, Pat Dennehey, Senior Warden Bob Harper, Mary Pat-Croft, Rosemary Hobart, Whiting Chisman Jr., and Duncan Garnett .
The Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander opened with Scripture reading from the Gospel of Luke.
Check In and Absences Bill Brown is out with illness, Lloyd Thomas is out with illness, Junior Warden Bettyrene Pope is out of state.
Whiting Chisman III gave a brief report to the Vestry on the function of St. John’s Endowment Board. He talked about the 3 Funds, the Endowment, the Hunter, Booker, Andrews, and the Charitable Trust and how they were each governed by a set of rules on how monies from these Endowments could be spent.
February 20, 2018 Vestry Minutes were reviewed. Senior Warden Bob Harper made a motion to accept the minutes, Whiting Chisman Jr. seconded the motion. Vote was called and motion passed.
Treasurer’s Report
Linda Curtis reported the following Treasurer Report:
- Diosesan Debt paid off February 1st.
- January income is more than budgeted due to monies that come in at the end of December and not being deposited till January.
- Expense up a little. Paid 1st Quarter Diosecan Pledge and paid 1st Quarter of Property and Liability Insurance.
- The remainder from the Ann Wards bequest amounting to $14,000 came in December of 2017 and was deposited in January of 2018.
- A request was made that half of the first Sunday’s offering be equally split between the Rectors Sabbatical Fund and the Asst. Rectors Discretionary Fund. A motion was made by Senior Warden Bob Harper accept this request. The motion was seconded by Whiting Chisman Jr. Vote was called and motion passed.
- Treasurer Linda Curtis asked on behalf of the Finance Committee that the Vestry consider Margot Rous to be selected to be on the Finance Committee. Whiting Chisman,Jr. led a discussion on the need for the formation of a Nominating Committee to help with the selection of candidates to fill vacancies in church committees. He expressed a concern that committees may not be getting the right person for their particular needs. It was decided to table this discussion for latter consideration.
- A motion was made by Duncan Garnettt to accept the Finance Committees selection of Margot Rous to be on their Committee. Whiting Chisman Jr. seconded the motioned. Vote was called and motion approved.
- Vestry asked to approve the Housing Allowance for Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander and Reverend Mark Riley. Whiting Chisman Jr. motioned for this approval and Stephen Rous seconded the motion. Vote was called and motion passed.
- Stephen Rous motioned that the Treasurers report be accepted, Ruth Simmons seconded the motion. Vote was called and motion passed.
Rector’s Report
Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander reported the following:
- Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander took a moment to thank the departing Vestry Members David Edmonson, Junior Warden Bettyrene Pope, and Mary-Pat Croft for their service and to welcome new Vestry Members Ruth Simmons, Stephen Rous, and Lloyd Thomas.
- Asking Vestry Member to keep Lloyd Thomas in prayers as he deals with major health issues.
- The election of new 2018 Vestry officers was held. The following names were presented for Vestry Officers. Bob Harper for Senior Warden, Whiting Chisman, Jr. for Junior Warden, and Pat Dennehey for Registrar. No other nominations were made and Rosemary Hobart moved that this slate of officers be elected. Ruth Simmons seconded the motion. A vote was called and motion approved.
- At February Diosesan Council meeting it was announced that Bishop Hollerith would retire Dec. 31 of this year.
- Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander would be away from the St. John’s starting March 5 on vacation.
Assistant Rector’s Report
Reverend Mark Riley reported the following:
- Discussion about the Good Book Club Bible Study. This study is designed to allow individuals to explore the Bible by reading select scriptures, placing them in historical and theological context and to ask questions on what God is saying to us today.
- Continuing emphasis on St. John’s support and role in the upcoming Habitat for Humanity Home that St. John’s is help sponsoring. Looking at ways to engage the members and community in fund raising and support.
Junior Warden Report
Junior Warden Bettyrene reported the following:
- Normal Maintenance attended to.
- Dishwasher was repaired and working.
- Toilet paper holders in ladies bathroom repaired.
- HVAC in church still not functioning correctly. Been in talks with ACES to find a solution. Trying a new thermostat .
- Work on Hoffman House included sheet rock repair, the splitting of HVAC system between 2 office suites on the second floor and getting quote for replacement of Fire Alarm System on second floor.
- It was discussed that Bettyrene Pope would continue to work closely with the new Junior Warden Whiting Chisman Jr.
Senior Warden Report
Senior Warden Bob Harper reported the following:
- Senior Warden apologized to the Vestry for signing the renovation contract of the Parish house before said contract had been reviewed and approved by Larry Cumming. Bob Harper was under the impression that Lawyer Larry Cumming had read the report which had not happened at the time of the contract signing. Larry Cumming is reading the contract now and if anything is found to be amiss then Vestry will be notified.
- Junior Warden Whiting Chisman Jr. has requested that while work is being done on this renovation there should be a weekly update on the completion timeline. If all is going well then this update might be every 2 weeks.
Vestry Liaison Reports
No reports submitted
New Business
Clergy led us in Compline.
Meeting adjourned at 9:10 pm
Submitted by Patrick Dennehey, Registrer