The Vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Elizabeth City Parish, was called to order on January 15, 2019 at 6:33 pm. Present were members Charlie Edmonson, The Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander, The Reverend Mark Riley, Pat Dennehey, Senior Warden Bob Harper, Ruth Simmons, Stephen Rous, Rosemary Hobart, Junior Warden Whiting Chisman Jr., Bill Brown, and Duncan Garnett late.
Check In and Absences
Youth Representative Darius Rowe was absent.
Minutes were reviewed. Correction was made and Charlie Edmonson moved to accept minutes. Bill Brown seconded. Vote was called and motion passed.
Treasurer’s Report
Linda Curtis reported the following Treasurer Report:
- The 2019 Budget was presented with the changes that had been discussed at the December 2018 Vestry Meeting. A motion was made by Senior Warden Bob Harper to approve this budget. Charlie Edmonson seconded. Vote was called and the 2019 Budget was approved.
- Discussion of December 2018 numbers. This report was a preliminary report due to some items that still had to be reconciled. A final review of the December 2018 Budget will take place at the February 2019 Vestry meeting. December was a good month.
- In order to balance the 2018 budget some money will need to be transferred from reserves. This will still leave about $30,000 in reserve.
- Review of information and slides for presentation at annual meeting.
- Discussion of what to do with $1,290 collected from the 2018 Christmas offering. A motion was made by Jr. Warden Whiting Chisman Jr. to put the money in the 2018 Budget to offset the money coming from reserve to balance 2018 Budget. Senior Warden Bob Harper seconded. Vote was called and motion passed.
Rector’s Report
- Baxter Simmons from Paradise Ocean club is providing the food. Charlie Edmonson will get misc. food items and paper products. List passed around for others to help with other tasks.
- In a change from last Vestry meeting it was discovered that our church organ is covered under our current insurance policy. Discussion on whether to rescind the motion made last month that insures the church organ under a separate insurance policy since the organ is already insured under the main church’s insurance. After further discussion it was decided to leave the previous motion as is so no vote was needed.
- Stephen Rous and Elizabeth Zimmerman were nominated to fill the upcoming vacancy on the Church Endowment. A written vote was called for and Stephen Rous won the nomination.
- A discussion for a change in the by laws that would allow a Youth Vestry member to have a vote at Vestry meetings if they commit to serving 2 years on the Vestry instead of the current 1 year. The Youth Vestry member should also be 16 years or older. Senior Warden Bob Harper made a motion that would allow a Vestry Youth Representative that commits to serve two years a vote at Vestry meetings. Registrar Pat Dennehey seconded. A vote was called. There were 7 ayes and 3 nays. Motion passed.
- Currently reading through 80 plus applications for Sexton. Hope to have position filled next month.
- Discussion of a Vestry Pledge. Intended to insure future Vestry Members are aware of the serious commitment that being on the Vestry is. After some minor changes to the Vestry Declaration the Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander brought for the Vestry to review a motion was made by Senior Warden Bob Harper to accept this Declaration. Charlie Edmonson seconded. A vote was called and motion passed.
- Comment by the Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander on the increase of visitors.
Assistant Rector’s Report
- The Way of Love Advent program and Good Book Club have been well attended.
- Possible use of a possible Outreach Program called “PackHope”. Similar to “Rise Against Hunger”, but has a few variations. Still need to do some more research.
- Looking at ways to engage Outreach and Inreach for Interim Sexton duties in the event of the church should experience a rapid changeover in Sextons.
Junior Warden Report
- Significant cost savings from new heating oil supplier as compared to last year.
- Received bids from Smith and Keene Electrical and from Warwick Heating and Mechanical on servicing our HVAC systems in the church and parish house. After review a motion was made by Jr. Warden Whiting Chisman Jr. to accept the bid from Warwick Heating and Mechanical. Bill Brown seconded. Vote was called and motion passed.
- Filters on HVAC system in church were changed last month and scheduled to be changed again on a quarter.
Senior Warden Report
- Recommendation to put out a porta potty for use by the homeless. Will look further into costs.
The Reverend Mark Riley closed meeting in prayer. Meeting adjourned at 8:15 pm
Submitted by Patrick Dennehey, Registrer