Doug Miller, Senior Warden, called the vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Elizabeth City Parish, to order on February 16, 2016 at 6:35pm. Present were members Doug Miller, David Edmonson, Ann Templeman, The Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander, Val Bowen, Mary Pat Croft, Bettyrene Pope, George Cornwell, The Reverend Mark Riley, Linda Curtis and Rose Hobart. Absent from the meeting were Dan Clark, Kevin Eley, Duncan Garnett, Bill Brown and youth representatives Jess and Thomas Miller.
Jeff Templeman gave the annual review of the work of St. John’s Charitable Trust as required by their by-laws.
Bettyrene made a motion to appoint Doug Perry to the Trust to serve-out Jeff’s remaining term, Linda seconded that motion and it was approved.
Samantha began the meeting with a prayer. Minutes from the January were reviewed. A correction was made to the Diocesan treasurer’s name from Jones to James. Linda made a motion to approve the minutes as amended, David seconded that motion and it was approved.
Treasurer’s Report
Linda reviewed the financials from January. Pledges were down but a Sunday was missed due to the weather. February will look a lot better because of the transfers from other funds. Hoffman House financials were reviewed Linda reminded us that we still need to meet there once a year. There is 900-1000 square feet available on the second floor. Samantha would love for it to be used by the church in a mission-oriented capacity. The vestry needs to make two appointments to the Finance Committee since there had been some resignations. Several names were discussed and one person is considering it. Doug stated the one appointment may be fine and not as many members are needed. The time of the meetings seems to be a problem in getting people to commit.
Rector’s Report The Cost of Living Allotment (nontaxable portion of income) for Samantha and Mark was reviewed. Linda made a motion to approve the 2016 Housing Stipend for the rector and assistant rector. Val seconded the motion and it was approved. Vestry Highlights – It was brought to Samantha’s attention to include vestry highlights in the monthly newsletters. They will be a couple of months behind (March’s newsletter will contain January highlights) since the minutes must be approved. Ann will start compiling those and January highlights will be sent to Samantha for approval. Stop Hunger Now- Samantha reviewed this opportunity for St. John’s. It is a meal packaging event that encompasses Global Hunger Education. It is a great way to get large groups involved in outreach and is very cross-generational. Forty-fifty people can put together around 10,000 meals in two hours. Funds need to be raised and Samantha suggested 1000 from Nickerson, 1000 for Charitable Trust and 1000 for parishioners. It would be a great opportunity for parishioners to learn about outreach and our funds. Members can donate/volunteer or both, it takes place once a year. Samantha suggested that it be held a Sunday after the second service or do a combined service with lunch then the event. It was decided to hold the event in April.
Lenten Series- Samantha reviewed this year’s Lenten series that will be held with St. Cyprians and Emmanuel. It will be held at St. John’s on March 2. This year’s topic is the Christian response to violence. This is a great opportunity to interact with other churches. Doug made a motion to move to Executive Session, Linda seconded it and it was approved. Mission/Priorities-Samantha discussed St. John’s mission. The church had a very encompassing visioning process that she does not want to recreate. It should be reviewed and drawn upon. We need to focus on 1-2 good things that St. John’s does well. Everything done should have a youth component. Samantha will email the vestry the visioning document, we are to read it and come prepared at the next meeting to discuss what excites us about it.
Jr. Warden’s Report Normal maintenance was addressed. Vestry will be hosting dinner for Night’s Welcome on Tuesday, March 8th. Bettyrene sent around a sign-up sheet.
Warden’s Report Next meeting vestry officers will be nominated and voted on. Doug has touched base with current officers and everyone is willing to stay-on another year. However if you are interested in an office, Doug encouraged everyone to speak with him or Samantha about it. The present youth representatives are going to college so a new youth representative needs to be appointed. Samantha will meet with the youth to discuss this.
By-laws – Val reminded officers to review their positions in the by-laws and email Val with any corrections.
April 6th is Marks’ ordination at St. John’s. Samantha asked Rose to notify In-reach about the reception afterwards.
A new list will be passed around at the next meeting for the monthly devotionals. They no longer have to be on the psalms.
The meeting was closed with prayer and we adjourned at 8:10 pm.
Submitted by Ann Templeman, registrar