The vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Elizabeth City Parish, was called to order on February 18, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. Present were: Bob Harper, Bettyrene Pope, Pat Dennehey, Charlie Edmonson, Stephen Rous, Ruth Simmons, Denine Miller, Greg Brauer, Emily Klotz, Dan Clark, Doug Perry, Youth Representative Darius Rowe, Treasurer Linda Curtis, The Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander, and The Reverend Mark Riley.
The meeting opened with a reading and discussion of Matthew 17:1-9.
Samantha thanked the out-going vestry members Bob Harper, Pat Dennehey, and Bettyrene Pope for their service, and welcomed Dan Clark, Doug Perry and Bettyrene Pope (returning).
Treasurer’s Report, Linda Curtis
Linda presented the January 2020 report. Actual income for January ($68,361.46) is higher than budgeted ($46,063.75) because it includes pre-paid pledges. Actual expenses ($52,309.52) were also higher than budgeted ($46,063.75) because several once-per-year bills were paid in January.
The January minutes were reviewed and no changes were made.
Rector’s Report, Samantha Vincent-Alexander
Website: The website should be completed by the end of March. Updates will be done by Doebank.
Soft Space Feedback: About a dozen parishioners have provided negative feedback regarding the creation of a soft space in the church. More information about the space will be placed in the March newsletter. The vestry is committed to trying a soft space for at least one year, starting in August or September.
Charitable Trust: The vestry was asked to reappoint/appoint members to the Charitable Trust board. Motion by Bettyrene Pope, seconded by Dan Clark: The vestry reappoints board members Scott Curtis, Sylvia Edgar, and Doug Perry (pending clarification of their terms) and appoints Charlie Edmonson to a new term (2020-2025). Motion approved unanimously.
Playground: Samantha presented the rendering, plan, and cost of the playground that is proposed by Playworld. The cost will be about $48,000, plus more for a fence. The playground account currently has $46,000. A committee is panning [sic] a fundraiser dinner and auction to fill the gap and start a fund for maintenance.
Election of New Wardens: Senior Warden: Charlie Edmonson; Junior Warden: Bettyrene Pope; Registrar: Emily Klotz
Commissions: Samantha asked vestry members to select the commissions for which they would like to be the vestry liaison.
Assistant Rector’s Report, Mark Riley
Adult Forum: The Good Book Club is finishing its study of John, and will be transitioning to something new.
Outreach: Outreach committee has looked at their budget. The next big event is bed building on March 28. The committee would like to do RISE Against Hunger this year.
Senior Warden’s Report, Charlie Edmonson
Signs: Charlie met with a sign company that will work up proposals. He hopes to have them to share at the next meeting.
Junior Warden’s Report, Bettyrene Pope
Night’s Welcome: Bettyrene thanked everyone for their help with Night’s Welcome. She was pleased to report that St. Mark’s helped with an overnight, breakfast and dinner, and that St. Cyprian’s also participated. Both congregations pledged to help again next year.
Committee Reports
Greg reported that there is now a Bluetooth device to the PA system in the church that allows St. Mark’s to play music for their services.
The Bishop is coming to attend a dinner with the Sacred Ground class on March 3.
The meeting adjourned with a closing prayer at 8:28 p.m.