The vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Elizabeth City Parish, was called to order on March 16, 2021 at 6:45 p.m. Present were: Senior Warden Charlie Edmonson, Junior Warden Bettyrene Pope, Anne Abraham, Greg Brauer, Dan Clark, Jay Hogg, Doug Perry, Elizabeth Zimmerman, Registrar Emily Klotz, Treasurer Linda Curtis, The Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander, and The Reverend Mark Riley. Note: This vestry meeting was conducted via Zoom, in keeping with the diocese’s mandate for physical distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The meeting opened at 6:45p.m.
Treasurer’s Report, Linda Curtis
Linda presented the financial report for February 2021. She pointed out that some transfers from revenue sources had not yet been made, but will be reflected in the March financial report. Actual expenses through the end of February: $88,828.99; actual income through the end of February: $71,466.57. Pledge income ($57,011.27) is ahead for the year due to prepaid pledges. Medical insurance payments are now up to date.
February Minutes Motion by Dan Clark, seconded by Jay Hogg: The vestry approves the minutes as submitted. Approved unanimously.
Rector’s Report, The Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander
Regathering: Hampton’s test positivity rate for Covid-19 is around 12-13%. Samantha would like to hold indoor services for Easter and will ask special permission from the bishop. St. John’s is also talking with Emmanuel Episcopal to coordinate plans for Easter services. St. John’s will hold a combination of indoor and outdoor services, or all outdoor services, depending on test positivity rate and the bishop’s decision. There will be an outdoor service for Palm Sunday.
Parochial Report: Samantha finished the parochial report to the diocese and had emailed it to the vestry prior to the meeting.
Motion by Charlie Edmonson, seconded by Jay Hogg: The vestry approves the parochial report. Approved unanimously.
Committee Assignments: Vestry members were assigned to committees, which should meet occasionally. Samantha discussed the possibility of separating newcomers and evangelism into separate committees, especially in light of the new residential construction happening in Phoebus.
- Newcomers/Evangelism – vestry liaison Greg Brauer, contact Will Andrews
- Liturgy – vestry liaison Dan Clark, contact Betsy Clark
- Christian Formation – vestry liaison Emily Klotz
- Outreach – vestry liaison Doug Perry, contact Doug Perry
- Music Academy – vestry liaison Jay Hogg, contact Deborah Carr
- Heritage – vestry liaison Charlie Edmonson, contact Susan Edmonson
- Stewardship/Planned Giving – vestry liaison Anne Abraham, contact Jim Klotz/clergy
- Youth
- InReach & St. Anne’s Guild – vestry liaison Elizabeth Zimmerman, contact Paula Hogg
Future Vestry Meetings: Samantha noted that this meeting marks the one-year anniversary of the vestry meeting via zoom. Vestry discussed the possibility of meeting in person in April. However, since vestry would also like to meet in April in person to discuss the Confederate Memorial Committee recommendations, it was suggested to hold the April vestry meeting via zoom.
Sabbatical: Samantha plans to split her three-month sabbatical, taking two months from June 7 to August 9, and one month later in the year to attend possible future conferences.
Retreat: Vestry discussed possible dates for a local, one-day retreat, and settled on Saturday, May 1 with a possible Friday night dinner gathering.
Assistant Rector’s Report, The Reverend Mark Riley
Recording Equipment: Mark would like any feedback regarding the audio/visual components of worship recordings.
Lil’ Pantry: Mark has a full roster of volunteers to restock the pantry, plus unknown individuals are donating to the pantry as well. He noted that the pantry will need to be painted soon.
Senior Warden’s Report, Charlie Edmonson
Charlie reported that the Confederate Memorial Committee has made excellent progress. They have agreed on wording for a plaque, and are now working on the contextual signage. He intends to send the proposal to the vestry before holding an in-person meeting to discuss.
Junior Warden’s Report, Bettyrene Pope
Bettyrene reported that a plumber will be coming to look into the men’s restroom leak.
Committee Reports
Outreach: Doug reported that the Outreach Committee met and decided to allocate $14,000 of their $20,000 budget to outside agencies, including the YMCA, Downtown Hampton Child Development Center, Virginia Boys Home, and the Mayor’s Book Club. He hopes to hold outreach projects in the Fall, with proper spacing and work shifts to limit gathering sizes. He has reached out to H.E.L.P. to see how they might like our assistance this year.
Thrive: Dan reported that he now helps about five clients per week (up from two per week).
New Business PPP loan: Dan reported that he submitted the application for a second Payroll Protection Program loan for $49,667. He will call the bank for a status update.
Pastoral Check-ins: Samantha asked vestry to keep her and Mark informed of any known needs in our parish.
The meeting adjourned at 7:57 p.m.