November 18, 2025 The Vestry of St. John’s Church, Elizabeth City Parish, was called to order on November 18, 2025, at 6:32 p.m. by Rev. Lisa Erdeljon. Present were Darden Barrett – Senior Warden, Bettyrene Pope – Junior Warden, Ellen Griffith – Registrar, Bob Harper, Andrew Mackey, Brad Norris, Scott Curtis, Ron Kindley, Rev Lisa Erdeljon, Linda Curtis – Treasurer. Anne Rutherford is still on maternity leave. The meeting opened at 6:32 p.m. with a prayer. Ascertainment of Quorum: A quorum was present. Approval of Agenda: A motion was made by Darden Barrett to approve the agenda as written. Seconded by Ellen Griffith. The motion was approved unanimously. Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Andrew Mackey to approve the minutes of the October 28 meeting as amended. Seconded by Scott Curtis. The motion was approved unanimously. Treasurer’s Report, Linda Curtis: We’re almost $55,000 behind on pledges so far this year. Plate and non-pledges are currently over budget. Received the balance of the Endowment contribution. Expenses are about $15,000 higher than income for the year. Rise Against Hunger was paid, as were Q3 diocesan pledge and property insurance. Linda expects to move $10,000 from the Hoffman House to the church in November. The music ministry lines are over budget by $723.61 at the end of October, with known expenses at the end of December, music will be over budget by $3,323.61. This includes the Music Foundation. Lisa has met with Deborah about it being so much over budget. There are expenses that could potentially be reclassified elsewhere, but Lisa said she does not want to start doing that just to make the numbers cleaner. They will have a more accurate budget as she works with Deborah to ensure everything is in the budget for 2026. It should be noted the Music program is the most visible ministry that we have, they also host events each month and Music Camp over the summer. A motion was made by Ellen Griffith to approve the Treasurer’s Report. Seconded by Ron Kindley. The motion was approved unanimously. Senior Warden’s Report, Darden Barrett: The Diocesan Pledge is due Dec 1. They ask for 10% of our Pledge and Plate based on our 2024 Parochial Report, that amount is $40,461. It was mentioned that the Diocese does administer the Insurance and Retirement accounts for all church staff, our property insurance is through them, and they administer some of our Endowed Funds. Lisa mentioned that she has relied heavily on the Diocese over the last year.
A motion was made by Scott Curtis to pledge $40,461 to the Diocese paid quarterly. Seconded by Ron Kindley. The motion was approved unanimously. Darden invited the Vestry and their spouses to his house for the December meeting, after which there will be a social. Junior Warden’s Report, Bettyrene Pope: There is temp lighting along the walkway between the Parish House and North Door of the church for Lisa’s Celebration of New Ministry. Rector’s Report, Rev. Lisa Erdeljon:
Personal: Lisa is on vacation starting Monday, Nov 24 – Wednesday Dec 3rd. Staffing: The Church Office will be closed on Wednesday, Nov 26 and will reopen on Sunday, Nov 30.
Worship: Derek Pringle will be preaching at the Nov 30 service. They are currently working on finalizing the plans for the Christmas Services.
Upcoming Dates Dec 21 – Longest Night Service, which will have communion and a choral offering at 7pm Dec 24 – 5:00 Children’s Service 10:00 doors open for the Evening Service Dec 25 – 9:00 Unvested Service with Piano Dec 27 – Tom Savage’s Service Dec 28 – Morning Prayer Stewardship
Pledges for 2026 are still rolling in, 64 pledge cards have been received, which is about 70% of what we normally have. Of the 64 that have pledged, those pledges are up $37,178 over 2025. $55,000 total short from 2025 pledges with current 2026 pledges. Darden will write a reminder email and have Patrick send it out via Constant Contact.
Visioning and Planning: After talking with Bruton Parish & Christ & St. Luke’s, the estimate that we have to repair our organ is in line with work that they recently had done by other organ companies. A capital campaign is going to begin in January to assist in funding the organ repair. Mary Williams Foundation has asked that we make a line item in our budget for General Repairs and Organ Repairs to easily track the money in which Mary Williams Foundation gives to St. John’s. They have sent the initial installment for the organ. Larry Cumming, Trustee & Chancellor, is receiving the contract for the organ to ensure the church is properly protected. Lisa is scheduled to meet with the Endowment Committee later this week. There was homework assigned for all of the other pitches to be done by the January meeting.
A motion was made by Ellen Griffith to adjourn the meeting at 7:47. Seconded by Darden Barrett. The motion was approved unanimously. A closing prayer was given by Rev. Lisa Erdeljon.