September 16, 2025 The Vestry of St. John’s Church, Elizabeth City Parish, was called to order on September 16, 2025, at 6:36 p.m. by Rev. Lisa Erdeljon. Present were Darden Barrett – Senior Warden, Bettyrene Pope – Junior Warden, Bob Harper, Anne Rutherford, Andrew Mackey, Brad Norris, Scott Curtis, Rev Lisa Erdeljon, Linda Curtis – Treasurer and Deborah Carr. Ellen Griffith – Registrar joined via video. Ron Kindley was absent. The meeting opened at 6:36 p.m. with a prayer. Ascertainment of Quorum: A quorum was present. Approval of Agenda: A motion was made by Ellen Griffith to amend the agenda to do the Visioning and Planning before the Treasurer’s Report. Seconded by Bob Harper. The motion was approved unanimously. Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Scott Curtis to approve the minutes of the August 19 meeting as written. Seconded by Darden Barrett. The motion was approved unanimously. Visioning and Planning:
The proposed high investment, high return pitches were proposed by the working groups to the entire Vestry. After each pitch there was feedback and discussion on the topics to prepare the pitches to the entire Congregation. Treasurer’s Report, Linda Curtis: It’s the end of summer and the finances are reflecting that. Non-pledge and plate continue to be over budget. Pledges are below budget, however that is normal for the summer. Expenses were slightly higher than income, but that’s normal for August. Reimbursement to Deborah as part of her Letter of Agreement was paid in August for the previous 7 months. Building maintenance was paid out, Outreach sent money to Bright Beginnings. August electric bill was paid in Sept. The August 25 One License from the Hoffman House should of been paid by the church, so that is corrected in September. A motion was made by Darden Barrett to approve the Treasurer’s Report. Seconded by Bob Harper. The motion was approved unanimously. FY24 Audit Report, Linda Curtis: The FY24 Audit results have been reviewed. There were no issues with anything Financial. The auditor did give recommendations on things to improve upon going forward. We need an asset inventory for the entire Church, Church Building, Parish House, and Hoffman House. We need better written operating policies and procedures. We should be requiring all financial reimbursements to have someone authorizing the purchase, which we have started doing as of August. FY25 audit will require movement on recommendations.
A motion was made by Darden Barrett to accept the auditor’s report as presented by Linda. Seconded by Anne Rutherford. The motion was approved unanimously. A motion was made by Darden Barrett to begin enacting the reasonable recommendations from the auditor’s report. Seconded by Bob Harper. The motion was approved unanimously. Senior Warden’s Report, Darden Barrett: Lisa is officially the 48th Rector of St. John’s Church. All paperwork has been signed by Darden, Lisa, and the Bishop. Junior Warden’s Report, Bettyrene Pope: The dishwasher has been fixed, it was an inexpensive repair. Stanley Steamer cleaned the carpers in the Sunday School wing. Advance Electric repaired the light poles and shed for the cemetery, including light sensor for dusk to dawn lighting and bulb replacement. Waiting on Warwick Plumbing to install a smart thermostat in the kitchen, Sentry Security will then have to set up the thermostat. Roof Engineering has been called about a leak above the dishwasher in the kitchen. Patrick’s Glass is scheduled to replace a pane in the storefront at the Hoffman House. Rector’s Report, Rev. Lisa Erdeljon:
Personal: Lisa’s North Carolina house has a contract and is scheduled to close Sept 30. Lisa will be on vacation Nov 24 – Dec 2. Derek Pringle has agreed to be the priest for Nov 30’s services.
Worship: The Bishop will be here Sept 28 for both services, confirmation will be at the 2nd service. There will be a meet & greet, Q&A with the Bishop in between the services in the Parish Hall.
Upcoming Dates Sept 28th – Bishop visit Sat Oct 4th – Blessing of the animals that evening, St. John’s Golf Outing in the morning.
Oct 5 – Stewardship Kick-off, theme is “Invest in What’s Next” Staff Updates Lisa’s new letter of agreement has been signed and copies were given to all Vestry members.
Lisa presented the Memorial Fund Purchasing Policy A motion was made by Bob Harper to approve the Memorial Fund Purchasing Policy as written. Seconded by Darden Barrett. The motion was approved unanimously.
Lisa presented a request for a digital messaging board to hand in the Parish House outside the office door. The purpose of the digital messaging board is to reach both parishioners and those attending events in the Parish House such as AA or Music Camp about church happenings.
A motion was made by Scott Curtis to approve initial hardware purchase of the digital sign board using funds from the Memorial Fund as presented by Lisa. Seconded by Ellen Griffith. The motion was approved unanimously.
A motion was made by Bob Harper to go into a closed session to discuss staffing at 8:37. Seconded by Andrew Mackey. The motion was approved unanimously. A motion was made by Scott Curtis to end the closed session at 9:16. Seconded by Bob Harper. The motion was approved unanimously.
Lisa mentioned that we need to select Annual Convention Delegates. We will appoint them at the October meeting.
A closing prayer was provided by Rev. Lisa Erdeljon. A motion was made by Anne Rutherford to adjourn the meeting at 9:17. Seconded by Darden Barrett. The motion was approved unanimously.