The Vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Elizabeth City Parish, was called to order on September 25, 2018 at 6:30 pm. Present were members Ruth Simmons , Stephen Rous, The Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander, The Reverend Mark Riley, Pat Dennehey, Senior Warden Bob Harper, Bill Brown, Rosemary Hobart, Duncan Garnett, Bettyrene Pope in for Jr. Warden Whiting Chisman Jr. and Charlie Edmonson.
Check In and Absences
- Jr. Warden Whiting Chisman Jr. Excused
- Youth Representative Darius Rowe Excused
Reverend Mark Riley opened with scripture. The reading came from James 5:13-20
No minutes were available for discussion. Minutes were taken at the Vestry Retreat and they and this meetings minutes will be presented at the next Vestry Meeting for review.
Treasurer’s Report
Linda reported the following:
- Received Misc. income for reimbursement for rooms for the Vestry retreat and Perpetual Honor had a drawdown from funds invested at the diocese. Another draw may be done at the end of 2018.
- Expenses were very high in part due to a leaking water heater in the basement of the church. Also a water spigot was stolen in the cemetery resulting in water running unchecked. Bettyrene is working with Waterworks for help in adjustments.
- Other expenses – new water heater, first installment paid for audit, Vestry retreat expenses, and money to YMCA/Bright Beginnings.
- The Endowment is going to reimburse church for additional expenses to Epiphany Studios for stained glass work.
- Funds were also used for payments to Memorial Flowers, Music Foundation, Downtown Lunch, Stop Hunger Now, and Church Renovation Plus.
- Audit of the church’s financial records went very well.
Committee Liaison Reports
At the August Vestry Retreat Vestry Members were tasked to reach out to the Committee chairs of those Committees they liaison with and discuss with them a list of questions designed to see where the Vestry can help with any concerns or implementation of ideas they may have to make there Committee be the best it can be.
Some Vestry Members were able to meet with their respective chairs and others are still waiting to meet. More to come on the result of those meetings.
Many Vestry Members were able to report the following:
- Youth – No report from Darius Rowe
- Stewardship – Stephen Rous reported that Stewardship letters were sent out day after Labor Day and pledges are starting to come in. By next Vestry meeting hoping to have a better idea where the pledges stand.
- Evangelism/Newcomer Ministry – Duncan Garnettt had no report.
- Outreach – Ruth reported that she had talked with Doug Perry about Outreaches mission and read his response to the vestry.
- Christian Formation/ Youth – Rosemary Hobart discussed the St. Paul Vacation Bible School curriculum that had been adapted to be used for various activities in the church.
- Liturgy – Pat Dennehey did talk to Betsy Clark and will talk with her further. At the last Liturgy meeting the upcoming church calendar was discussed regards to upcoming events, such as Pet Blessing, Phantom of the Organ, Evensong, and Advent.
- Finance/Planned Giving – Duncan Garnettt has a meeting in November with chair.
- In reach – Rosemary Hobart reported they had a good Ministry Fair in spite of the weather. Discussion of involvement with upcoming Phantom of the Organ and Evensong reception and beyond.
- Newcomers Ministry – Bill Brown had no report.
- Music Academy- CharlieEdmonson/Rosemary Hobart had no report.
Rector’s Report
The Reverend Samantha Vincent Alexander discussed to following:
- Brought information to Vestry concerning Sunday attendance numbers and Christian Formation attendance numbers to see if there are trends we may be able to see.
- Will be interesting to see how the Zoom program with the upcoming Paul program goes.
- Still need help with Coffee Hour sponsors.
- Need to decide which of the two programs the Vestry may want to undertake after discussion at the Vestry Retreat. The programs were Renewal Works and Way of Love. After much discussion it was decided to get more information on the Way of Love program and Reverend Samantha Vincent Alexander is going to reach out to through the Diocese and see if other churches have used this program and what kind of success they had. Reverend Samantha Vincent Alexander will send out links to watch videos that deal with the Way of Love Program.
Assistant Rectors Report
Reverend Mark Riley reported that the Habitat House was rapidly finishing up and coordinating a time for a ribbon cutting ceremony in November. St. Anne’s has asked to do something for the family. Summer Lunch had a little lower attendance and this may be due to other Summer Outreach programs in the area.
Junior Warden Report
Bettyrene Pope sat in for Junior Warden Whiting Chisman Jr. and reported the following:
- Attended the weekly meetings on the updates of the Parish House renovation.
- Working with John Newby (risk management consultant) to oversee revamping of the church insurance policy.
- Awaiting estimates on proposals for installing new intercom and camera at the handicap ramp and remote opening buttons for office.
- Miscellaneous work around the church, replacing light bulbs, new batteries in exit signs, repairing lock on North door, replaced sprinkler head in north vestibule, etc.
- Received an estimate for trimming and removing some trees and shrubs from around the Parish House and Church.
- Repainting railing on handicap walk by north door.
- Called Waterworks and had a cut off water meter removed and the church was still being billed.
- City did their annual fire inspection of facilities.
Senior Warden Report
Senior Warden Bob Harper wants to start a program inviting members of the church to go on day trips around the area and see our area from eyes of a tourist. The first outing will be on October 19th. The concept is too meet at the church for Morning Prayer then head out to some place like Jamestown or Chrysler Museum and have lunch and come back to the church. Had done this in the past and people had fun doing it.
New Business
Stephen Rous mentioned that he had heard back from Mr. Swimmer, the Executive Director of CEEP and he said he could come and talk the Vestry at the December Vestry Meeting. He also waived any need of an honorarium when he does come down. Stephen was asked to contact Mr. Swimmer and invite him down.
Reverend Mark Riley led us in closing prayer.
Meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm
Submitted by Patrick Dennehey, Registrar