The Vestry of St. John’s Church, Elizabeth City Parish, was called to order on June 16, 2026, at 6:33 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, Linda Curtis – Treasurer, and Rev Lisa Erdeljon. Bettyrene Pope – Junior Warden was absent.
The meeting opened at 6:33p.m. with a prayer.
Ascertainment of Quorum: A quorum was present.
Approval of Agenda: A motion was made by Bob Harper to approve the agenda as written. Seconded by Wendy Cumming. The motion was approved unanimously.
Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Scott Curtis to approve the minutes as amended. Seconded by Dory Holder. The motion was approved unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report, Linda Curtis
May income was over budgeted due to moving $15,000 from the Hoffman House to the Church. Currently under budget YTD due to lack of other income. May expenses were less than budgeted. Current YTD expenses are under YTD budgeted.
Paid Q2 property insurance, yearly music license, and fixed misposting from April. The first Organ payment was made.
A motion was made by Dory Holder to move $2,775 from the Special Offerings – Easter Offerings to the Guest Musicians GL line. Seconded by Wendy Cumming. The motion was approved unanimously.
A motion was made by Scott Curtis to approve the Treasurer’s Report. Seconded by Bob Harper. The motion was approved unanimously.
Due to a legal issue with Deborah’s Letter of Agreement, it needs to be updated so that we’re not paying for her medicare.
A motion was made by Ellen Griffith to raise Deborah’s pay to $65,040 beginning July 1, 2026 and eliminate the $10,000 towards Medicare expenses. Seconded by Dory Holder. The motion was approved unanimously.
Feedback from the Diocese on Lisa’s Job Description so far is “Who is now in charge of Stewardship?”
A motion was made by Ellen Griffith to form a Stewardship Committee, with the Senior Warden serving as the Chair. Seconded by Wendy Cumming. The motion was approved 5-3.
Senior Warden’s Report, Scott Curtis
We need to update some exterior lighting, guess I need to get with Bettyrene about that.
Junior Warden’s Report, Jon Wallner filled in
Today is Bettyrene’s 80th Birthday. The kitchen fire extinguisher is out of service, so we have a loaner. Sentry Security repaired sensors in the Parish Hall. The door closer in the exterior kitchen door was removed, it doesn’t affect use of the door. Al Banwell is working on installing push bars and eye peepholes on the south and west Sanctuary doors.
It was brought to the attention of the Vestry that there have been some rogue and unauthorized repairs and/or changes to the buildings that had an issue occurred could have resulted in them being major issues requiring an insurance claim. One of these was a sink being removed at the request of the Music Director, another was a light fixture change in a closet at the request of the Heritage Committee, among others.
Due to the current process being to just notify the Junior Warden, it was brought up that we could have the Parish Administrator create and monitor a Google form for repair work orders, which could then be exported and given to the Junior Warden. This would allow for Parish Administrator to track the work orders with the Junior Warden and have the information readily available when questions arise from Parishioners.
Rector’s Report, Rev. Lisa Erdeljon
Personal Updates
Lisa got a dog, Marlow, he’s 6 and a rescue. They’re going hiking next week
Worship Plans
The church office will be closed on Monday, June 22 in observance of Juneteenth, since it’s not open on Fridays.
- June 21st – Derek & Pam Pringle’s 50th Anniversary vow renewal
- July 19 at the 9:00 service we have 2 baptisms.
- Aug 23 at one of the services there will be another baptism.
We’ll be using the Piano until at least kickoff Sunday.
Ellen did wonderful giving the announcements on Sunday.
Staffing
Office Hours are 9-4 Monday-Thursday with the office automatically closing when the Parish Administrator is off. Ministries may still meet as long as they have building access.
2 of the paid singers have resigned, we now have 2 paid singers remaining. Deborah is looking for a 3rd singer
Project Updates
- Accessibility and Welcome: Have met with 2 architects, will meet with a 3rd. Off of the south entrance is the only location currently being considered due to conversations with the first and second architect. It was discussed with the first architect about having another handicap ramp installed at the same time, but due to the length requirements, it’s no longer an option.
- Children’s Faith Formation: No new information
- Lay Pastoral Care: No new information
- Community Engagement: Pilot’s Game on July 30th; Dory is working with Patrick to launch the online directory soon; we’re signed up with pour beer on July 11 and August 8th.
- Sacred Storytelling: Waiting to schedule exact dates once school starts at HU, will take place in the Church.
- Policies and Procedures: Meets again in July. The Safe Church audit was in the email for everyone to review.
- Music Ministry Stewardship: CONTRACT IS SIGNED!!!! The existing organ will be removed on July 13, during which the parking spots at the Hoffman House will be blocked, both tenants have been informed and did not have any issues. We will utilize the piano for the summer while the logistics about having a temporary organ are worked out. The general opinion about taking out pews to the north of the altar was met with apprehension as that would require removing and relocating multiple pews and affect the communion distribution during the services. It would also cause permanent damage to the floor as the pews are bolted down and would have to have new holes in the new location. It was also noted that with the ADA accessibility project we might be shortening some pews, which will remove some seating in the Sanctuary, and we need to be intentional and have Parishioners buy in before doing projects that affect the Sanctuary space.
Next Meeting
We will not meet in July as is tradition, however look for an invite for a dinner of some sort closer to the next meeting.
A motion was made by Ellen Griffith to adjourn the meeting at 8:52. Seconded by Bob Harper. The motion was approved unanimously.
A closing prayer was given by Rev. Lisa Erdeljon.