The Vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Elizabeth City Parish, was called to order on January 15, 2019 at 6:30 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, Greg Brauer, Emily Klotz, Denine Miller, Rosemary Hobart, Bill Brown, Junior Warden Whiting Chisman Jr., and Youth Representative Darius Rowe
Check In and Absences
The Reverend Mark Riley opened with Scripture Psalm 37:1-42.
Minutes were reviewed. Stephen Rous moved to accept the minutes, Senior Warden Bob Harper seconded the motion. Vote was called and motion passed.
Treasurer’s Report
Linda Curtis reported the following Treasurer Report:
- Discussion of December 2018 final numbers.
- We had to discuss the final December 2018 report again due to some items that still had to be reconciled at the end of December 2018. Ended the year with a 0 balance except for the prepaids.
- Received a significant a large amount of prepays for 2019 Pledges. These were backed out for a true reflection of 2018 Income. Endowment reimbursed church for stained glass window repairs. Transferred money from Reserve.
- Paid for Assistant Rectors medical insurance. Miscellaneous expenses for cleaning, building repairs, Outreach’s last disbursal to St. Paul, CEEP Registration.
- Funds were disbursed to PFAF and Parish Discretionary, Christmas offering went to Miscellaneous Income, Music Foundation for soloists, Memorial fund for flowers, St. Anne’s Guild for donation Music Academy
- Discussion of January 2019 numbers.
- Went over the financials in a little more detail for the benefit of the new Vestry members.
- Received income for the following: Endowment paid their entire contribution. Mary Williams Trust paid the 2018 4th quarter for utilities. Charitable Trust paid for CEEP registration, and received money from 2018 pledges paid in January.
- Paid Rector’s Medical, bought postage, paid 1st quarter of Property and Liability, paid 1st quarter Diocesan Pledge, Workers Comp Insurance paid in full, several minor building repairs were done, and paid Lay Staff Insurance ( high because of 3 month Medicare payment and 2 months Anthem and Humana payments).
- Voted on Clergy’s Housing Allowance. Junior Warden Whiting Chisman Jr. moved to accept the 2019 Clergy Housing Allowance. Charlie Edmonson seconded the motion. Vote was called and motion passed.
Rector’s Report
Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander reported the following:
- Welcome to St. John’s newly elected Vestry members, Denine Miller, Charlie Edmonson, Emily Klotz, and Greg Brauer.
- Heartfelt thank you for the service of departing Vestry members Rosemary Hobart, Duncan Garnett, and Bill Brown.
- Scheduling for 2019 Vestry retreat. Will send a link for members to click on to select the available dates.
- Discussion of Safe Church Training. New guidelines have been sent out by the Diocese that we give them an audit on what training has been done and this is submitted to National Church. There are ramifications for not following through to the letter. Anyone who has electronic access to the church must have Safe Church Training. The Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander will send out more information on this.
- Vestry pledge was presented to members to sign.
- Youth Representative Darius Rowe was informed that if he committed to a two year term on the Vestry then he would be eligible to vote a Vestry meetings.
- A Sexton has been found and an offer made, just waiting for the return of background check.
- Charitable Trust Report was submitted for approval by the Vestry. Senior Warden Bob Harper moved to except the report. Stephen Rous seconded the motion. Vote was called and motion passed.
- Commissioning of the Vestry at the Feb. 24th, 10:30 Worship Service.
Assistant Rector’s Report
- The Reverend Mark Riley reported on meeting on Outreach Funds. This money is allocated from Nickerson Trust. Will continue with support for Rise Against Hunger, Hunter Andrews School, Summer Lunch, Nights Welcome, and Downtown Hampton Childhood Development.
- Doug Perry thought it might be important to look at ways to help the Episcopal Relief and Development in times of emergency. This is in early stage of discussion.
- Matt Stearn from H.E.L.P. met The Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander to discuss expanding their medical services up near Social Services. Looking for partners to help raise funds for hiring an LPN to staff this position.
Junior Warden Report
Junior Warden Whiting Chisman Jr. reported the following:
- Deferred discussion of the Maintenance Schedule till next months meeting.
Senior Warden Report
- Due to Holy Week Observance’s the regularly scheduled Vestry Meeting date in April has been moved to April 9th.
- Two opportunity’s for Vestry Training Days. One in Norfolk on March 2nd and another in Midlothian on March 9th.
- Commissioning of the Vestry at the Feb. 24th, 10:30 Worship Service.
- Discussion of Porta Potty tabled till next months meeting.
The Reverend Mark Riley closed meeting in prayer.
Meeting adjourned at 8:00 pm
Submitted by Patrick Dennehey, Registrar