The vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Elizabeth City Parish, was called to order on October, 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, Treasurer Linda Curtis, The Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander. Absent: Emily Klotz and The Reverend Mark Riley. This meeting was held in St. John’s parish house.
The meeting opened at 6:30 p.m.
Charlie Edmonson opened with prayer.
Treasurer’s Report, Linda Curtis See finance report
Vestry minutes of 9/21/21 were accepted.
Rector’s Report, The Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander
Choir singers: Deborah requested that we pay two singers to sing with the choir every Sunday. The vestry agreed this was acceptable as long as she was able to find the money in the current music budget, which she said she could.
Motion made by Doug Perry and seconded by Anne Abraham that the vestry would recommend that we allow two paid singers in the choir using money from existing budget. Approved unanimously.
Service schedule: Survey regarding service times was discussed. Subcommittee met and recommended one service at 9am and one at 11am with the choir at 11am. The vestry unanimously approved this decision. The services will start on November 7, 2021.
Recognition for Deborah: Samantha told the vestry that this marked Deborah’s 50th year as a professional church musician. She asked that we recognize her in some way. The vestry agreed and Jay Hogg offered to organize. The recognition will be on Nov. 21st.
Sabbatical for Mark and Deborah: Samantha mentioned that while it was not in either of their letters of agreement, she would like to offer both Mark and Deborah a 1 month sabbatical. Partial funding could come from unspent funds from Samantha’s sabbatical. The vestry agreed this was a good idea.
Masks: Samantha asked whether we should continue to require masks. The vestry agreed it was good to continue for the time being.
Assistant Rector’s Report, The Reverend Mark Riley
On vacation
Senior Warden’s Report, Charlie Edmonson
Asset Documentation: The audit deadline was extended to November 30, 2021.
Charitable Trust: Charlie said that the Charitable Trust needed someone to fill Sylvia Edgar’s spot. He recommended Parkie Rice.
Motion by Jay Hogg, seconded by Dan Clark to elect Parkie Rice to Charitable Trust. Approved unanimously.
Motion by Anne Abraham, seconded by Dan Clark: Extend vestry meeting past 8:30p.m. Approved unanimously.
Junior Warden’s Report, Bettyrene Pope
- Bushes beside Jail trimmed – Cemetery paid for $400
- New sewer line installed in parking lot
- New sewer line from kitchen tied to new sewer line from bathrooms
- Wednesday – new light pole in parking to be installed $6,196.
- Door leading from Parish House to church refinished
- Painting for outside & inside stairwells of Hoffman House almost completed
Sound System Update by Greg Brauer: We have received two microphones designed for organs and choirs for testing to improve the sound of the music during our streaming Sunday services. I will be doing a sound test with the choir next week. If successful, Greg will be getting a quote from an installer to do a permanent installation.
Committee Reports
Outreach: Doug reported we need more people to help with weekday moving of Afghan refugees.
Bettyrene brought up Night’s Welcome which will start November 17 2021. Vestry agreed to commit St. John’s to provide dinner and breakfast for the third Thursday/Friday.
Motion made by Jay Hogg and seconded by Charlie Edmonson to send $500 to HELP for Night’s welcome from the “Night’s Welcome” line item.
Dan Clark reported that Thrive is raising $30,000 to buy 400 gift cards to provide Christmas gifts for children in the Thrive program.
Anne Abraham said she was interested in starting a grief group and asked for feedback.
The meeting adjourned around 8pm
Minutes taken by the rector.