The vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Elizabeth City Parish, was called to order on June 18, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. Present were: Senior Warden Bob Harper, Junior Warden Bettyrene Pope, Stephen Rous, Ruth Simmons, Charlie Edmonson, Denine Miller, Greg Brauer, Emily Klotz, Youth Representative Darius Rowe, The Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander, and The Reverend Mark Riley. Those absent, excused: Pat Dennehey and Linda Curtis, treasurer.
Presentation by Mary Williams Trust James Shoemaker and Whiting Chisman presented the Williams Trust FY2018 annual report. Expenses totaled $746,774, much of which went towards parish house repair work. Typically, disbursements range from $275,000-$290,000 per year. Funds for more major improvements will not be available for two years. The trustees voiced concern over diminishing operating funds and suggested establishing a separate charitable trust dedicated to operating costs. Samantha informed the vestry that The Perpetual Honor fund provides $4,000-$5,000 per year for operations.
The May meeting minutes were reviewed and corrected. Motion by Stephen Rous, seconded by Emily Klotz to accept the minutes as corrected. Motion approved.
Samantha Vincent-Alexander continued the meeting with a reading and discussion of Galatians 3:23-29.
Treasurer’s Report The vestry reviewed the monthly report submitted by Linda Curtis. Notable items include the receipt of Tommy Sinclair’s bequest and the increase in non-pledge offerings.
Rector’s Report, Samantha Vincent-Alexander
Staff Plan: With Jenn Devlin moving away, the work hours of Shannon Olson and Darlene Jackson will change beginning July 1. Shannon will work 15 hours/week as administrator, 10 hours/week in Christian formation, and also be available as a wedding planner (paid for by wedding party). Darlene will increase her hours by five, for a total of 20 hours/week. Emily Klotz has volunteered to prepare the monthly newsletter. The office will be closed Fridays, 12-4.
Same Sex Wedding: Samantha reported that one parishoner expressed displeasure with the lack of process for allowing same-sex weddings at St. Johns.
St. Mark’s Episcoal Church: St. Mark’s congregation is no longer able to maintain their building at Cunningham Drive/Todds Lane. Samantha believes they still desire to worship together, but they need a location. Motion by Bob Harper, seconded by Stephen Rous: The vestry welcomes parishioners of St. Mark’s to avail themselves of the facilities of St. John’s for the indefinite future as their circumstances dictate, subject to the standing policies of St. John’s and as approved by The Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander. Motion approved unanimously. Samantha will send a letter to St. Mark’s.
Retreat: Samantha reminded the vestry of the retreat at Chanco, August 23-24. Next month, the vestry will sign up to bring food for dinner, breakfast and lunch. There was some discussion about the retreat agenda. A mutual ministry review is due and could be a possibility.
Assistant Rector’s Report, Mark Riley
RISE Against Hunger: St. John’s will participate in RISE Against Hunger, for the fourth year in a row, on August 4. The cost is a bit higher this year. $1,000 has already been allocated from the outreach budget, and an additional $2,400 needs to be raised.
Fresh Expressions: Mark provided information on a workshop, “Deep Roots, Wild Branches” to be held July 27 in Newport News. Neither he nor Samantha can attend, but he encouraged vestry members to consider attending.
Senior Warden’s Report, Bob Harper
Bob has been discussing with members of St. Cyprians and Emmanual the possibility of having a fish fry on September 7 or 14. Part of the food may be catered, and the location may be at St. John’s, but that is still to be determined. Motion by Bob Harper, seconded by Charlie Edmonson: St. John’s will enter a planning effort for an Episcopal fish fry for either September 7 or 14. Motion approved unanimously.
Junior Warden’s Report, Bettyrene Pope
Bettyrene reported that Warwick Mechanical serviced all of the A/C units and cleaned all the coils. There was an OSHA issue with the Sunday school roof, which needs equipment to hook up workers’ safety belts. Other work completed includes replacement of four spotlights in the church, repair of men’s room leaky faucet, and trimming/removal of bushes.
Bettyrene also reported that a porta-potty from Spivey would cost $3.25/day, the cost includes delivery and weekly servicing. Motion by Charlie Edmonson, seconded by Bob Harper: St. John’s will rent a porta-potty for a period of two months. Motion approved unanimously.
Committee Reports
Youth/Christian Formation: Shannon Olson will organize a silent auction and dinner to raise additional funds for an accessible playground. Shannon will also plan four outreach events for the youth.
Newcomers: The committee plans to follow up with people who were baptised or married at St. John’s. A newcomer reception needs to be scheduled.
Outreach: Wednesday, June 19 is the first summer lunch at St. John’s for 2019. The vestry is scheduled to serve meatloaf and mashed potatoes on Wednesday, July 24.
Youth: The youth group is scheduled to serve lunch on Wednesday, August 28.
The meeting adjourned at 8:17 p.m.