The vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Elizabeth City Parish, was called to order on September 21, 2021 at 6:30 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. This meeting was held in St. John’s parish house.
The meeting opened at 6:30 p.m.
Treasurer’s Report, Linda Curtis Linda reminded the vestry that the auditors recommended the documentation of St. John’s assets and the documentation of its procedures for collection handling and disbursements. Linda distributed the procedures for collection handling and disbursements. Motion by Dan Clark, seconded by Jay Hogg: Vestry approves the procedures for collection handling and disbursements. Approved unanimously by email vote.
Vestry minutes of 8/17/21 were accepted.
Audio/Visual System Proposal Dave Cook, of DC Engineering, presented proposals for new audio and visual equipment that would greatly improve the recordings from the sanctuary to broadcast online. A proposal to install microphones and cameras totals $26,610.78. He also prepared quotes to install microphones and cameras at separate times: the audio equipment would be $14,111.95, and the video addition at a later date would total $16,318.83.
Vestry acknowledged the need for improved sound equipment. Vestry discussed payment options, and suggested seeking payment from Endowment. Greg will also bring an engineer to look at the space and provide suggestions for audio improvement.
Rector’s Report, The Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander
COVID recommendations from the bishop: There are no mandates from the bishop, but she highly recommends masks, distancing, and contact tracing. To aid contact tracing, we will ask people to sign in as they enter for service.
Service Schedule Survey: Responses came in from about 65 to 70 people, and there did not seem to be a very clear preference. A subcommittee consisting of Charlie, Anne, Jay, Elizabeth, and Deborah will convene to discuss the results of the survey and make a recommendation.
Mary Williams Trust Proposal: The Mary Williams Trust would like to spend their money building a day-use homeless shelter on St. John’s property on Pembroke Avenue. They would like to pay for construction but leave the staffing and maintenance to St. Johns. The vestry believes there is a need in the community, and while it is a worthy and noble deed, St. Johns is not in a position to take on such a responsibility at this time.
Assistant Rector’s Report, The Reverend Mark Riley
Safe Church Training: Mark reminded vestry of the need to complete safe church training. Mark will get a list of the people who need to either update or begin training.
Tablets: Mark showed the vestry some erasable tablets that were purchased for kids to use during service.
Outreach and Community Projects: Mark distributed a list of many outreach opportunities and suggested that St. Johns narrow down our involvement.
Senior Warden’s Report, Charlie Edmonson
Asset Documentation: Charlie distributed a plan for documenting St. John’s assets. He asked that vestry document their assigned areas in a spreadsheet by October 15.
Motion by Anne Abraham, seconded by Dan Clark: Extend vestry meeting past 8:30p.m. Approved unanimously.
Junior Warden’s Report, Bettyrene Pope
Bettyrene distributed a report highlighting several maintenance tasks. The altar floor will be refinished November 29. After the installation of a new sewer line and light pole fixture in the parish house parking lot, the lot will be repaved.
Committee Reports
Outreach: Doug reported that several St. Johns members moved an Afghan refugee family into an apartment in Newport News, and they will assist another family toward the end of the month. Anyone wishing to help these families can purchase needed items from an Amazon wish list set up by Commonwealth Catholic Charities.
The meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.