The vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Elizabeth City Parish, was called to order on May 21, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. Present were: Senior Warden Bill Beach, Treasurer Linda Curtis, Registrar Lynn Kirkland, Anne Abraham, Scott Curtis, Ellen Griffith, Jim Klotz, Bettyrene Pope, Elizabeth Zimmerman, and The Reverend Mark Riley. Absent: Junior Warden Jay Hogg, Darden Barrett, Ron Kindley and Brad Norris.
The meeting opened at 6:30 p.m. with a prayer.
Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the April meeting were approved.
Treasurer’s Report, Linda Curtis: April looked good. We received $9,800.00 in non-pledge offerings from Easter services. The Mary Williams Trust has agreed to pay the entire cost, $23,000.00, for the new AC unit at Hoffman House. Linda would like to put a note in the June bulletin reminding everyone to keep up their pledges during the summer. Include what the summer expenses are to keep the church running and what outreach programs we continue to support. See attached budget reports.
Rector’s Report: On Hold
Vestry Transition
- Introductions of New Members and Prayers – Welcomed Scott Curtis, Ellen Griffith and Bettyrene Pope
- Appreciation and Prayers for those ending their service – Thanked Anne Abraham and Elizabeth Zimmerman for their dedication to vestry. Jay Hogg was absent.
- Confirmation of Vestry (Signature from each) – A record was signed by new and old vestry members pledging their commitment to St. John’s Vestry.
- Elections – A motion was made to nominate Bettyrene Pope as the Junior Warden by Scott Curtis and seconded by Jim Klotz. The motion was approved unanimously.
Associate Rector’s Report, The Reverend Mark Riley
- Summary/update since last meeting – Sunday Updates and Positive Energy – Numbers continue to climb. We are ontrack to be at pre-COVID numbers by the end of the year.
- Volunteer/Service Updates: Engaging Members: Parish House Welcome Center, etc. – Charlie Edmonson is looking for a bar height table.
- Racial Healing Workshop: Updates and Scheduling – Mark will send out an email with dates of the next workshops. Mark volunteered St. John’s as a site for a workshop.
- Seminarian from Ireland: Joshua Pringle – Feedback? (Adam, Joshua’s brother also visiting) – Joshua’s visit went very well. He provided a wonderful sermon and connected with parishioners and the community. If the opportunity for a seminarian student comes up again, we should consider it.
Warden Reports
- Senior Warden – Bill Beach – The following are assigned to committees:
- Outreach – Bettyrene Pope
- Music Academy – Scott Curtis
- Inreach & St. Anne’s Guild – Ellen
- Junior Warden – Bettyrene Pope
- The floor in the table/chair closet has been removed and replaced with a wood floor and covered with thick vinyl. Some duct work will have to be replaced and David White is scheduled to paint.
- A new spigot has been placed outside the parish house
- The water bill continues to be high after numerous attempts to find a leak. NNWW has been contacted to look at the meter but have not been successful with them coming out. Will continue to call them.
- Bettyrene will look into purchasing a new digital safe for Altar Guild with funds donated by parish member
Old Business
- Invite, Welcome, Connect: Yard Signs and below questions
New Business
- The playground needs to be mowed and cleaned up. Possible project for the men’s group to put down mulch. It was suggested by Ellen to collect plastic that can be turned into a bench for the playground area. She will provide information on plastics that can be donated. It was also suggested that a safety inspection of the playground equipment be made.
Committee Reports
- Invite, Welcome, Connect – None at this time
- Car Decal, Yard Signs and other focus for Invite – New member meeting date has not been confirmed
- Other Committee reports – None at this time
The meeting concluded with a prayer and adjourned at 8:01 p.m.