The Vestry of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Elizabeth City Parish, was called to order on November 21, 2017 at 6:30 pm. Present were members David Edmonson, The Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander, The Reverend Mark Riley, Pat Dennehey, Senior Warden Bob Harper, Mary Pat-Croft, Rosemary Hobart, Whiting Chisman Jr., Bill Brown, Duncan Garnett , and Junior Warden Bettyrene Pope.
David Edmonson opened with Scripture from a passage from Psalm 139, 1-9.
Senior Warden Bob Harper opened the Vestry Meeting with prayer.
Check In and Absences
Treasurer’s Report
Linda Curtis reported the following Treasurer Report:
- Actual Income in October was over budgeted income for the month.
- Year to date income is over budgeted year to date.
- Expenses for year to date and October are below budget
- Pledged offering is going well.
- Music Foundation has over $5,000. Sending bulk of that to the Diocesan Foundation for investment.
- Closed Nickerson checking account due to inactivity.
- Hoffman House doing well.
- Looks like we may end 2017 with a surplus.
- Senior Warden Bob Harper has contacted those who made a pledge for 2017 but have not made a pledge for 2018. Have had favorable responses from those he has contacted. Will get an updated list and touch base with people in a couple of weeks.
- Discussion on the use of $1000 line item for the Rector’s discretionary fund. Because the Rector’s Discretionary fund has sufficient funds, Samantha asked that $500 be put in the Assistant Rector’s discretionary fund and $500 be put in the Rector’s sabbatical fund. Senior Warden Bob Harper made a motion to fund the Assistant Rectors Discretionary Fund with $500 and the Rectors Sabbatical Fund $500. Whiting Chisman Jr. moved on the motion, seconded by Jr. Warden Bettyrene Pope. Motion carried.
Senior Warden Bob Harper Moved to accept the Treasurer report which was seconded by Duncan Garnett. Motion passed.
Minutes were reviewed. Whiting Chisman Jr. made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Bill Brown. Motion passed.
Rector’s Report
Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander reported the following:
- Looking at ways to help in the community. One way would be to get involved with Habitat for Humanity. This can be done many ways, but the one that would seem to work for St. John’s would be to help co-sponsor the building of a Habitat Home this would amount to around $37,000. Charitable Trust has $65,000 in funds of which half could go to the co-sponsoring a home. The Vestry is in support of the Habitat for Humanity Project and supports going forward with the contribution offered by the Charitable Trust.
- Received 50 applications in 2 weeks for the Communications Position which has been narrowed down to two good candidates. Interviews are in progress and background checks are being made. Position starts early January with Betsy Bouchard helping to train the new person.
- An alcohol policy was presented for Vestry Members to review and comment. The Vestry was in support of this policy and Whiting Chisman Jr. moved that this policy be adopted. Duncan Garnett seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Assistant Rector’s Report
Reverend Mark Riley reported the following:
- Passed out an article of general interest for Vestry members to read concerning the caring for the homeless especially with Nights Welcome coming up soon.
- Offered a reflection on his recent continuing education that dealt with the working of systems and how everyday things interact in our lives.
Junior Warden Report
Junior Warden Bettyrene reported the following:
- Continuance of routine maintenance, changing light bulbs, etc.
- Repair of Clergy’s vesting room.
- Had three walk throughs with potential contractors with regards to renovation with one more still to do.
- Contacted a plumber with regards to issues with a leaking toilet in the men’s room as well as the grease trap in the kitchen.
- Working with E.T. Lawson on HVAC concerns in the Hoffman House. Will also address several issues with the fire system that were discovered from a visit from the Hampton Fire Department.
- Service call scheduled with ACES (Air Conditioning Equipment Sales, Inc.) for Nov. 27th to check out the HVAC system in church. Have also requested a service proposal for twice a year service on the system.
- Asking for approval from Vestry for Stain Glass repairs. All windows were inspected and most are in relative good shape since the last inspection seven years ago. They need to be cleaned and one window needs repair to the bottom of the glass. Mr. Higgins proposal for all this work is $9,950. A motion was made by Whiting Chisman Jr. to request the Endowment pay for this repair. Bill Brown seconded the motion. Motion passed.
- It was brought up that an appointment needs to be made with the insurance agent to reevaluate our assets and make sure we are properly insured. This would take place after all the renovations and repairs are done.
Senior Warden Report
Senior Warden Bob Harper reported the following:
- Will schedule a special Vestry meeting with Q Design to go over bids. Looking at the second week in December for this meeting.
- The Parish Administrator thanked the Vestry for their thoughtfulness and kindness in sending her a Gift Basket. It meant a lot in dealing with the recent loss in her family.
- In lieu of the December Vestry meeting Assistant Rector Mark Riley and his wife Laura will host a Christmas Party at their residence. To be held on the 19th of December at 7:00 p.m.
Vestry Liaison Reports
Stewardship – Rosemary Hobart reported 102 pledges received so far for a total of $334,000, this is $29,000 less than last year. Senior Warden Bob Harper to reach out to those who pledged last year but not this year.
New Business
Senior Warden Bob Harper is reaching out to the Diocese for guidance with regards to security of the church. This is in light of the recent violence that has been happening in church around the country. He is also having this past summers Vestry Retreat Photo framed so it can be displayed in the Parrish House. Members of the Vestry also took a moment to write down on a card where we think we as an individual Vestry member of St. John’s can have the most impact on our parish in the next 12 months.
The Reverend Samantha Vincent-Alexander led us in Compline.
Meeting adjourned at 8:00 pm
Submitted by Patrick Dennehey, Registrar