The Vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Elizabeth City Parish, was called to order on December 11, 2018 at 6:30 pm. Present were members Charlie Edmonson, The Reverend Samantha Vincent- Alexander, The Reverend Mark Riley, Pat Dennehey arriving late, Senior Warden Bob Harper, Ruth Simmons, Stephen Rous, Rosemary Hobart, Junior Warden Whiting Chisman Jr., Bill Brown, Duncan Garnett , and Youth Representative Darius Rowe.
Check In and Absences
Reverend Mark Riley opened meeting with prayer.
Minutes were reviewed and approved as written.
Treasurer’s Report
Linda Curtis reported the following Treasurer Report:
- Non pledge income and plate will be below for the first time this year.
- The proposed 2019 budget was presented. We are seeing a shortfall in pledges for 2019 and Vestry needs to discuss how this shortfall is going to be made up. There is some concern about using money from Hoffman house to balance the budget. A motion was made by Jr. Warden Whiting Chisman Jr. to approve the budget with the following changes: addition of $1,316 for insurance premium to cover organ and decrease the Diocesan pledge by $1000 to $29,000. Duncan Garnett seconded. Vote was called . Budget approved.
Presentation made by Executive Director Joe Schwimmer from the Consortium of Endowed Episcopal Parishes (CEEP). After Mr. Schwimmer’s meeting and further discussion a motion was made by Stephen Rous for St. John’s to become a member CEEP. Junior Warden Whiting Chisman Jr. seconded. Vote was called and motion passed. There is a Conference in 2019 and the Charitable Trust could help with registration for those vestry members who wish to go.
Rector’s Report
Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander reported the following:
- Continuing discussion of Diocesan pledge. A motion was made by Bill Brown to reduce the Diocesan Pledge $25,000. Rosemary Hobart seconded. Vote was called. 2 Aye and 9 Nay, Vote failed.
- Ruth Simmons made a motion for a Diocesan pledge of $29,000. Jr. Warden Whiting Chisman Jr. seconded. Vote was called. 9 aye, 1 nay, 1 abstain. Vote passed.
- Motion made by Jr. Warden Whiting Chisman Jr. to continue Vestry meeting beyond 8:30 pm. Bill Brown seconded. Vote called and passed.
- Nomination for Church Trustee. Larry Cumming was nominated. Motion to close nominations made by Duncan Garnett and seconded by Bill Brown. Vote was called and passed to appoint Larry Cumming as Church Trustee.
- On the matter of the Church Endowment Nomination a motion was made by Charlie Edmonson to table this until next Vestry meeting to allow Vestry members a chance to read material Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander sent out earlier. Duncan Garnett seconded. Vote was called and passed.
Assistant Rector’s Report
The Way of Love Program is going well.
Junior Warden Report
Junior Warden Whiting Chisman Jr. reported the following:
- Discussion of general maintenance to the church at rough cost of $15,000. Question of whether to include this in the budget or ask the Endowment to cover these expenses. A motion was made by Senior Warden Bob Harper to request the Endowment to cover these expenses and not put them in the budget. Rosemary Hobart seconded the motion. Vote was called. 10 aye and 1 nay. Motion passed.
- There is a need to insure the organ under a separate policy as it is not covered under the churches overall insurance. A motion was made by Charlie Edmonson to ask the insurance company to secure coverage of the organ not to exceed a cost of $1,316. Bill Brown seconded the motion. This amount would have to be put in budget. Vote called. 10 aye and 1 nay. Motion passed.
- Need for a HVAC for a maintenance contract on the church, parish house and Hoffman House. Discussion of the whither the quote of $2,900 covers all three buildings. Will table this discussion until January meeting to find out answers to this question.
Senior Warden Report
No report
Vestry Liaison Reports
Darius Rowe reported on working on getting more youth involved.
Vestry Meeting went into Executive Session to discuss a personnel matter.
The Reverend Mark Riley closed meeting in prayer.
Meeting adjourned at 9:03 pm
Submitted by Patrick Dennehey, Registrer