The Vestry of St. John’s Church, Elizabeth City Parish, was called to order on February 28, 2026, at 6:31 p.m. by Rev. Lisa Erdeljon. Present were Scott Curtis – Senior Warden, Ellen Griffith – Registrar, Wendy Cumming, Bob Harper, Anne Rutherford, Jon Wallner, Dory Holder, Andrew Mackey, Rev Lisa Erdeljon, and Linda Curtis – Treasurer. Bettyrene Pope – Junior Warden was absent.
The meeting opened at 6:31p.m. with a prayer.
Ascertainment of Quorum: A quorum was present.
Approval of Agenda: A motion was made by Ellen Griffith to approve the agenda as written. Seconded by Andrew Mackey. The motion was approved unanimously.
Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Scott Curtis to approve the minutes as amended. Seconded by Bob Harper. The motion was approved unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report, Linda Curtis
There was no service on February 1 and it affected income. We have not gotten any money from any funds other than the Nickerson Trust for Outreach.
The property/liability insurance for the 1st quarter was paid, as well as the Worker’s Compensation insurance. Hiller was paid for the sprinkler system repair. Electricity and Gas continue to be high.
Hudson missed rent in February, but paid both February & March in March already.
We have received $100,000 from the Mary Williams Foundation for the Organ project.
A motion was made by Anne Rutherford to approve the Treasurer’s Report. Seconded by Dory Holder. The motion was approved unanimously.
A motion was made by Ellen Griffith to approve moving the CD of $202,777.12 coming due later this month into Treasury Bills as recommended by the Finance Committee. Seconded by Wendy Cumming. The motion was approved unanimously.
A motion was made by Ellen Griffith authorizing Linda Curtis as the Treasurer to explore the checking and saving account options at Towne Bank and for Linda to move our operating accounts into the best interest bearing account option within Towne Bank. Seconded by Jon Wallner. The motion was approved unanimously.
Senior Warden’s Report, Scott Curtis
The first two weeks have gone well, welcome to all the new Vestry. The Mary Williams Foundation has expressed interest in the church hiring a 2nd priest. After discussion about various staffing options, the Vestry agreed a 2nd priest would be the best option.
A motion was made by Anne Rutherford to ask the Mary Williams Foundation to agree to fund a Curate position beginning June 2026 for a 2 year period costing $100,000 per year. Seconded by Wendy Cumming. The motion was approved unanimously.
Junior Warden’s Report, Bettyrene Pope
Bettyrene is stuck in Florida due to the weather cancelling airline flights.
Rector’s Report, Rev. Lisa Erdeljon
The conference was awesome, COVID was not. The conference had over 850 attendees and Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe was a Guest Speaker. Lisa got a lot out of the conference and is looking forward to next year’s conference.
- Psalm Sunday, March 29 – 9:00 starts in the Parish Hall, 11:00 starts outside the west door, there is a choral offering at 4:00
- Maudy Thursday, April 2 – service is at 5:30 and will include a foot washing
- Good Friday, April 3 – one service at noon
- Easter Vigil, April 4 – starts at 7:30pm
- Easter, April 5 – 9:00 is Children’s service, 11:00 is a high choral mass
- April 19 – Gareth Kalfas, Chanco on the James, will be giving the Sermon
- May 17 – Music Sunday
- May 24 – Pentecost
- May 31 – Parish Picnic
There will be a police officer patrolling during Easter, since the children will be running around the cemetery for the Egg Hunt and as a safety precaution.
The Hampton History Museum has asked to use the Cemetery and Church building for their Battle of Hampton Documentary. Lisa is waiting for a script to review and will then give them approval.
No contract yet on the organ refurbishment, there was a call with Parsons and St. John’s and we’re waiting on Parsons.
A motion was made by Dory Holder to adjourn the meeting at 8:19. Seconded by Anne Rutherford. The motion was approved unanimously.
A closing prayer was given by Rev. Lisa Erdeljon.